Shingles can lead to serious complications.
Long-term nerve pain
The most common complication of shingles is long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN.
PHN occurs where the shingles rash was located, even after the rash clears up. It can last for months or years after the rash goes away. PHN is extremely painful and can interfere with daily life.
Who is at risk
About 10% to 18 % of people who have shingles also experience PHN. Your risk of PHN increases with age. Compared to a younger person with shingles, an older adult with shingles is more likely to develop PHN; and have longer lasting and more severe pain. People younger than 40 years old rarely experience PHN.
Other serious complications
- Shingles on the face can affect the eye and cause vision loss.
- The shingles rash can also become infected with bacteria.
- Very rarely, shingles can also lead to:
- Infection of the lungs (pneumonia)
- Hearing problems
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
- Death
Who is at risk
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience complications from shingles. They are more likely to have a severe, long-lasting rash.
