The future of predictors, prevention, and therapy in postherpetic neuralgia.

Pain is the most common complication of herpes zoster, but much confusion and dissent exist regarding terminology. Established (chronic) herpetic pain is remarkably resistant to treatment, but its prevention is partly achievable. Prodromal and acute herpetic pain are predictors for chronic pain. If research programs and clinical management are to progress optimally, researchers and clinicians must agree on appropriate use of such terms as "zoster-associated pain" and "postherpetic neuralgia."