Are there any complications from shingles?
Most people do not have any complications. Those that sometimes occur include the following.
Postherpetic neuralgia
This is the most common complication. It is where the nerve pain (neuralgia) of shingles persists after the rash has gone. This problem is uncommon in people aged under 50. However, up to 1 in 4 people over the age of 60 who have shingles have pain that lasts more than a month. The older you are, the more likely it will occur. The pain usually eases gradually. However, in some people it lasts months, or even longer in a few cases. The chance of pain persisting is reduced with treatment.
Skin infection
Sometimes the rash becomes infected with bacteria (germs). The surrounding skin then becomes red and tender. If this occurs you may need a course of antibiotics.
Eye problems
Shingles of the eye can cause inflammation of the front of the eye. In severe cases it can lead to inflammation of the whole of the eye which may cause loss of vision.
Weakness
Sometimes, the nerve affected is a 'motor' nerve and not a usual sensory nerve (ones for touch). This may result in a weakness (palsy) of the muscles that are supplied by the nerve.
Various other rare complications
For example, infection of the brain by the varicella-zoster virus, or a generalised spread of the virus throughout the body. These are very serious, but rare. People with a poor immune system who develop shingles have a higher than normal risk of developing rare or serious complications. (For example, people with HIV/AIDS, people on chemotherapy, etc, - see below.)
- Read more: what are the treatments?
More help and advice
- Expert advice on shingles
- How to relieve the pain of shingles
- Read Joanne's story: 'A jabbing pain turned out to be shingles'
- Check out the full facts about chickenpox
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