Are the symptoms of post herpetic neuralgia bad?

Very painful, yes: Post herpetic neuralgia is a painful condition caused by shingles. Shingles is very painful but in some people it causes permanent damage and nerve pain that doesn't improve with time. It is bad in that it causes pain that can be extremely painful and there is no cure. There are several treatments to help control the pain.

YES!: Antivirals, like valtrex, (valacyclovir) need to be started within 72 hrs of shingle symptoms. They can decrease the severity and duration of the rash. If pain persists after the rash is gone - postherpetic neuralgia (phn) - it needs to be treated aggressively so it does not last forever. The older you are when you have shingles, the more likely you are to have phn. See a board certified pain specialist for help.