sensory nerve fibers

Shingles can cause severe chronic pain – new research on how exosomes alter neurons offers pathways to treatment

<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/759197/original/file-20260910-50-6gk3x6.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1&rect=0%2C0%2C1024%2C682&q=45&auto=format&w=1050&h=700&fit=crop" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Varicella zoster virus, also known as human herpesvirus 3, causes chickenpox and shingles.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/human-herpes-virus-hsv-image-taken-with-transmission-news-photo/837482032">BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Shingles can cause pain that is notoriously difficult to manage and can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.13423">last for months to years</a> for some people. The pain can be so severe that it causes a significant <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.12518">decline in quality of life</a> and can be accompanied by suicidal thoughts and emotional distress.</p> <p>If the pain lasts longer than three mon