Symptom 10: Chronic Pain – The Long-term Battle
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Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a term that many shingles sufferers become all too familiar with. It refers to the chronic pain that can linger long after the rash and other symptoms have subsided. It’s a cruel reminder of the body’s battle with the Varicella-Zoster virus, a pain that can endure for months, if not years.
This chronic pain, often deep, burning, or even itching in nature, stems from nerve damage caused by the virus. It’s as if the pathways, once inflamed, struggle to return to their pre-shingles state, leading to persistent discomfort. For some, this pain can be debilitating, affecting sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. (10)