How Long Does Neuropathic Pain Last After Shingles?

Posted on Sat, 20 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 20 Jun 2015 Answered on

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a very healthy 77 year old male who goes to the gym 7 days a week for years now. Just a few weeks ago I came down with shingles and a lesion traveled to my penis. Now the scabs have fallen off but my penis is now numb, and I am flaccid and impotent for the first time in 65 years. Info on recovery (nerve healing and repair) has been nebulous. What are the chances i will recover in a reasonable amount of time? I'm scared to death this thing may be permanent.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Variable period but eventual recovery

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Herpes Zoster which is caused by the chicken pox virus affected the nerve and led to your problem.
The neuropathy lasts variable period of time, but will eventually get better. The recovery is often faster in those who took antiviral treatment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar