How long does shingles last?

Most bouts of shingles last two to four weeks, according to the National Health Service. However, approximately one out of five people develop nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia after a bout of shingles.

Risk factors for shingles turning into postherpetic neuralgia include being older, being female, symptoms such as numbness before the rash appears, and severe pain along with a severe rash, according to WebMD.

Mayo Clinic explains that shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Following an infection with chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the tissues near the spinal cord. Later in life, the virus can reactivate as a case of shingles.