Immunosuppressed patients are more likely to develop herpes zoster and disseminated zoster, but these patients are not more likely to develop postherpetic neuralgia. Ophthalmic distribution of herpes zoster, severe acute herpes zoster pain, and premonitory pain prior to zoster rash onset are associated with a greater risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia is uncommon in patients younger than age 50 years and very common in patients age 70 years and older.
