What is the Peak of Shingles Pain and How Long Does it Persist?

Understanding Shingles Pain: When It Peaks and How Long It Lasts

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The pain can be debilitating and affect your ability to perform day-to-day tasks. In this article, we’ll explore the stages of shingles, its symptoms, and how long the pain typically lasts. We’ll also discuss postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication of shingles, and how to prevent an outbreak.

Shingles Symptoms

The symptoms of shingles include:

• Tingling or burning pain (during the prodromal stage)
• Constant or intermittent pain that intensifies during the acute phase
• A flat or bumpy discolored rash that turns into blisters
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Chills

Stages of Shingles

A shingles outbreak has three key stages, each with its own symptoms:

Prodromal Stage

The prodromal stage is when you first notice that your skin is tingling or burning. These symptoms will usually occur on one side of the body. Other symptoms of the prodromal stage can include a fever, a general feeling of discomfort or fatigue, and the onset of pain. This stage typically lasts for 1–5 days.

Active Stage (Acute Eruptive Stage)

The active stage starts with tiny bumps that last for a few days. You will then develop fluid-filled blisters. Shingles is most contagious in the active stage. Anyone who has not had chickenpox (or been vaccinated for chickenpox) who comes into direct contact with the blister fluid may become infected with the varicella-zoster virus.

Chronic Stage

Not everyone who contracts the shingles virus experiences the chronic stage, but it’s important to note that chronic pain may last months or years. You are experiencing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) if the pain associated with your shingles persists for more than four weeks.

When Does Shingles Pain Peak?

The active stage is considered the most painful. Symptoms intensify as this stage progresses.

How Long Does Shingles Pain Last?

In over 80% of people, shingles pain will clear up within 3–5 weeks of when the first symptoms appeared. Those who develop PHN may have chronic pain that lasts for up to 12 months or more.

Is Shingles Pain Constant or Intermittent?

Shingles pain during an outbreak can be constant or intermittent, with a burning or tingling sensation ranging from mild to severe. Stabbing pain may also occur intermittently. PHN pain can also be constant or intermittent and generally occurs in the region where you had the shingles outbreak.

Why Is My Shingles Pain Getting Worse?

Shingles pain gets worse during the active phase and eases as you move into the recovery phase.

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

PHN is a common complication of shingles. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that among those who have a shingles outbreak, 10–18% will develop PHN. Left untreated, PHN may lead to other shingles complications.

Other Shingles Complications

Other complications of shingles may include:

• Vision loss
• Meningitis
• Bacterial infections in the blisters
• Postherpetic itch
• Increased risk for stroke and heart attack
• Ramsay Hunt syndrome

How Is Shingles Pain Treated?

Antiviral medications used to treat the symptoms of a shingles outbreak include Aciclovir, Valaciclovir, and Famciclovir. Pain medications like the anticonvulsant gabapentin and tricyclic antidepressants can also be prescribed for shingles nerve pain. Topical treatments such as lidocaine may also provide relief. Additionally, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.

What Do You Do When Shingles Pain Is Unbearable?

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