Is it normal to still have pain after shingles (herpes zoster) has formed scabs?
May 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Snake-like herpes usually refers to herpes zoster. After the herpes zoster scabs have formed, patients may still experience pain due to damaged nerves that have not yet healed. However, this pain gradually subsides and generally does not last longer than three months. If the pain persists beyond three months, it might be postherpetic neuralgia, which is usually considered abnormal. In such cases, patients are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital.
Herpes zoster, commonly known as "snake-wrapping-waist" rash, generally refers to shingles. In most cases, it is normal to experience pain after the rash has scabbed over if the duration is short; however, prolonged pain may indicate an abnormal condition. The details are as follows:
1. Normal
Shingles is an acute infectious skin disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, primarily characterized by symptoms such as blisters, loss of appetite, and pain. The varicella-zoster virus may invade nerves, and because damaged nerves in the body have not yet healed even after scabbing occurs, patients may still feel pain. However, this pain usually gradually subsides and does not last longer than three months.
2. Abnormal
If the pain persists for more than three months, it may be postherpetic neuralgia, which is typically considered abnormal and manifests as pain, tenderness, numbness, and other symptoms. In such cases, patients may take analgesic medications such as carbamazepine tablets or gabapentin tablets under medical supervision to help relieve symptoms.
Patients should ensure adequate rest and avoid staying up late. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital.
