While shingles usually clears up on its own and most people recover fully, the risk of serious complications increases with age.1
The most common complication from shingles is chronic nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN),1–3 affecting about 1 in 5 patients.3 It involves persistent pain in the area where the rash was, lasting for months or even years after the has healed.2,3
When shingles affects the face, it can spread to the eye in up to 25% of cases.4 This condition, called herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), causes redness and swelling, and in rare instances, can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.4
Other potential complications can include permanent skin scarring, secondary bacterial infections, hearing problems, and though rare, pneumonia, encephalitis and stroke.2,3
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles facts and stats. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/data-research/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles symptoms and complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/signs-symptoms/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
4. Shaikh, S. & Ta, C. N. (2002). Evaluation and management of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. American Family Physician, 66, 1723–1730.
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