Nerve pain that persists after shingles has healed, in the same strip of skin the rash occupied.
What it is
The varicella-zoster virus damages the nerve during the shingles outbreak, and the pain signal continues after the skin has recovered.
Risk rises steeply with age. Early antiviral treatment of the acute shingles reduces but does not eliminate it.
How it usually presents
- Burning or electric pain in a band on one side of the body.
- Extreme sensitivity — clothing or a breeze is painful.
- Itching or numbness in the same area.
- Sleep disruption from the pain.
How we treat it
- Nerve pain medication, which works far better here than ordinary analgesics.
- Topical agents applied to the affected skin.
- Nerve blocks and, in selected cases, sympathetic blocks.
- Early intervention matters — this is easier to treat in months rather than years.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
Will it go away?
Many cases improve over months to a couple of years. Treatment shortens and softens that course rather than waiting it out.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.