Prognosis and complications of shingles

The rash and pain usually subside within 3 to 5 weeks. There are numerous complications possible, many depending on which dermatome was affected.
Postherpetic neuralgia is pain in a previous shingles zone; this occurs in some 10% of patients (often elderly). Burning, continuous pain responds poorly to analgesics. Depression is almost universal. Treatment is unsatisfactory but there is a trend towards gradual recovery over 2 years. Amitryptyline is commonly used. Methyl-prednisolone intrathecally is sometimes helpful...read more