Article externe

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

<name>Andrew Bubak, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz</name> <foaf:homepage rdf:resource="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrew-bubak-1393677"/>· 14 septembre 2026

Varicella zoster virus, also known as human herpesvirus 3, causes chickenpox and shingles. BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Shingles can cause pain that is notoriously difficult to manage and can last for months to years for some people. The pain can be so severe that it causes a signif…

Résumé

Shingles basics

Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.

This virus infects over 90% of the world’s population, often during childhood in temperate regions or later in life in tropical areas.

After the initial chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in pain-sensing neurons (nerve cells that detect pain signals) for decades.

In about a third of people, the virus reactivates later in life, causing shingles.

While the rash typically heals within weeks, about 10% to 18% of patients develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a severe chronic pain condition that can last months to years.

PHN is more common in older adults, with the risk increasing significantly with age.

Lire l'analyse complète en 4 points →

Lire l'article