Symptoms

• Common symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia include deep pain, burning, itching or numbness of the skin and hypersensitivity to touch or a change in temperature.
  
  

Causes

• Postherpetic neuralgia occurs when nerves are damaged during a shingles outbreak. The damaged nerves send faulty signals to the brain, which interprets the messages as symptoms of pain and tenderness.
  
  

Prevention

• According to Dr. Christopher Gharibo of AfterShingles.com, taking an antiviral medication within 72 hours of a shingles attack can reduce the likelihood of painful complications. Zostavax is one example of an antiviral.
  
  

Treatment

• Painkillers, injected steroids, antidepressants and several anticonvulsants can be effective in easing the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia. Capsaicin, a cream made from hot chili peppers, may also provide relief.
  
  

Considerations

• Dr. Gharibo reports that roughly one in five people will develop painful symptoms after a shingles attack; those over the age of 50 are most at risk.