Description

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful condition that occurs after a shingles rash has healed. It's caused by damage to nerves from the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Symptoms Pain that feels burning, aching, sharp, or jabbing Tenderness to light touch Itching or loss of feeling Fatigue and sleeping difficulties Muscle weakness or paralysis in rare cases Risk factors Age: People over 50 are more likely to develop PHN. Shingles: About 10–18% of people who have shingles also develop PHN. Immunocompromised states: The risk of PHN increases for people with compromised immune systems.