Which complication is correctly matched to its condition?

Postherpetic neuralgia is a common complication associated with herpes zoster, also known as shingles. This condition arises after an individual has experienced a shingles outbreak, which is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Postherpetic neuralgia manifests as severe pain in the area where the rash and blisters occurred, and it can last for months or even years after the shingles outbreak has resolved. The pain results from nerve damage caused by the virus during its active phase, leading to a sensitization of the nervous system.

This association highlights the potential long-term effects following a shingles infection, making it a well-recognized and clinically significant complication. Understanding this helps healthcare providers manage patient expectations and treatment plans following a herpes zoster episode.