What is a common sequela of Herpes zoster that can be prevented with steroids?

Post herpetic neuralgia is a common complication that can occur after an individual has experienced a Herpes zoster (shingles) infection. It is characterized by persistent nerve pain that continues even after the skin rash associated with shingles has healed. This pain can be severe and debilitating, significantly affecting a person's quality of life.

Steroids can be used in the early stages of a Herpes zoster outbreak to help reduce inflammation and potentially decrease the risk of developing post herpetic neuralgia. By dampening the immune response and reducing inflammation, steroids may lessen the extent of nerve damage during the initial infection, which in turn can minimize the likelihood of chronic pain persisting after the rash resolves.

In contrast, while skin lesions, secondary infections, and migraines can all be associated with Herpes zoster in some way, they do not represent the most common and significant long-term complication directly tied to the infection that can be influenced by the use of steroids. Skin lesions can generally heal on their own, secondary infections are usually managed with standard treatment, and migraines are unrelated to the pathology of Herpes zoster.