Neuralgia caused by shingles varies in length depending on the individual’s physical condition, whether or not it has been treated in a timely manner, and whether or not it is accompanied by other underlying conditions. Herpes zoster is caused by varicella-zoster virus infection, and infects people of a very wide age range, from the young to the elderly. The virus can be reactivated in the ganglia when there is a drop in resistance or when there is exertion, cold or infection, and it travels along the axon of the sensory nerves of the body, down to the skin innervated by the nerves, and then leads to the appearance of localized blisters. If the patient’s condition is mild, the localized skin pain can be gradually reduced and disappear within 4 weeks. If the patient’s condition is more severe, postherpetic neuralgia may develop, sometimes lasting for months to years. It is recommended that patients with herpes zoster actively consult a dermatologist at an early stage of the disease, and under the guidance of the doctor to carry out antiviral, nutritive neurological and other comprehensive treatments, so as to avoid prolonging the pain.