Why Do Some People Have Shingles Pain For Years And Others For Just A Few Weeks?

Dr. Anne Oaklander answers the question: 'Duration of Shingles Pain?'

ByAnne Louise Oaklander, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Center for Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia, Massachusetts General Hospital
November 14, 2008, 1:48 PM

— -- Question: Why Do Some People Have Shingles Pain For Years And Others For Just A Few Weeks?

Answer: It depends on two things: how badly your nerves are damaged by the shingles and how well they're able to re-grow and recover.

So someone with a severe shingles rash has more nerve damage than someone with a mild rash, and is less likely to be left with chronic pain.

Someone who's young also has better ability for the nerves to heal and re-grow after shingles than someone who's older.

Next: Are There Any Effective Ways To Treat Shingles Pain Using Alternative Medicine?

Previous: What Is The Best Way To Treat Pain Associated With Shingles?

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