Generally speaking, shingles is a self-limiting disease and will recover without treatment for some time and will not last long, but some patients may develop postherpetic neuralgia. For immunocompromised patients, it may last longer if it remains untreated. Herpes zoster is actually a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus that infects the nerves and causes corresponding symptoms on the skin, and for some patients who are more physically fit and have a stronger self-resistance, the disease can be cured on its own without treatment. During the course of the disease, herpes, pain, etc. will appear, and some patients still have pain more than 3 months after the lesions have healed, which is postherpetic neuralgia. For some patients with poor health, shingles can persist without treatment, and the varicella-zoster virus can continue to cause damage to the nerves, resulting in severe pain or even necrosis of the nerves. Therefore, if shingles is suspected, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist in a timely manner for treatment under the guidance of a medical professional to avoid further nerve damage.