The main complication associated with shingles is postherpetic neuralgia. This condition occurs in approximately 1 out of 5 people who get shingles. This condition causes nerve pain and extreme itching that persists after the rash and other symptoms of shingles has gone away. Usually, this pain goes away after a few months, but it can exist for longer and in some cases can be permanent. It is treated with painkillers. To read more about this condition and treatment options, click here.
Another complication of shingles is eye problems. In some cases, the shingles rash is in the eyes, which causes problems. These problems include sores and scarring of the cornea, inflammation of the eye and the optic nerve (the nerve that runs from the eye to the brain), and glaucoma (which is caused from pressure build up in the eye). If these problems are not treated properly, permanent vision loss can occur.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a neurological illness that can occur if shingles affects nerves in the brain. This syndrome causes earaches, dizziness, vertigo, rash around the ear, ringing in the ears, and paralysis of the face. It is usually treated with antiviral medications and corticosteroids. Usually if treatment is started within 72 hours of the start of the symptoms, all symptoms go away and the patient makes a full recovery. If a full recovery is not made, there are permanent problems.
There are other complications, but these are the most common ones. To learn more about complications of shingles, click here.
Sources:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/postherpetic-neuralgia/Pages/Treatment.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/basics/definition/con-20019574
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/
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