Common postherpetic neuralgia symptoms include: Burning, sharp, jagging or aching pain in the area where the shingles rash appeared. Itchiness or numbness at or near the area of the former rash. Pain that is constant or “comes and goes.” Pain typically lasts, on average, for three months after the rash has healed, but can last for more than a year or longer. Pain at affected skin area can be brought on even with a light touch (even clothing brushing against skin). Pain gets worse at night or in heat or cold temperatures.