What is a common complication caused by Herpes Zoster?

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is recognized as a common complication following an outbreak of Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles. Herpes Zoster is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which initially causes chickenpox. After recovery from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles.

One of the primary concerns with shingles is the intense pain and discomfort that can persist even after the rash has healed. This persistent pain is referred to as postherpetic neuralgia. It occurs because the virus damages the nerve fibers during the outbreak, which can result in ongoing neuropathic pain that may last for months or even years after the initial shingles episode.

Other options such as fever can occur during an active shingles outbreak, but it is not a long-term complication and resolves as the infection clears. Similarly, the common cold and ear infections are unrelated conditions and not complications of Herpes Zoster. In summary, postherpetic neuralgia stands out as a significant and often debilitating consequence of Herpes Zoster, making it the correct answer in this context.