Abstract: Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with herpes zoster and the risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods The clinical data of 239 patients over 60 years old with herpes zoster admitted to Department of Dermatology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from May 2024 to May 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to explore the risk factors for PHN in elderly patients with herpes zoster. Results The average age of elderly inpatients with herpes zoster was (71.78±8.33) years old. 41 cases (17.15%)developed PHN after treatment. Univariate analysis showed that there were statistical differences in the incidence of PHN among patients with different ages, severity of skin lesions, history of immunosuppressive medication, acute pain, and levels of hemoglobin and albumin (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age range of 70-79 years old, history of immunosuppressive medication, severe pain in acute stage, low hemoglobin level and low albumin level were the main risk factors for PHN. Conclusions The incidence of PHN is high in elderly patients with herpes zoster. Patients with older age, history of immunosuppression, severe pain in acute stage, low hemoglobin level and low albumin level may be more likely to experience PHN. It is necessary to identify risk factors for PHN and provide standardized and reasonable treatment in the early stage.

Key words: aged, herpes zoster, clinical characteristic, postherpetic neuralgia, risk factor