Postherpetic neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that sometimes follows a case of shingles.
Shingles is characterized by a painful rash that spreads around the patient's rib cage from the spine. If pain persists after the rash has cleared up, the patient is suffering from postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia can be a life-long condition and can range from minor irritation to excruciating pain. Postherpetic neuralgia is most successfully treated within the first 30 days after shingles. When treatment is delayed, the likelihood of a successful result is dramatically reduced.