OBJECTIVES: Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by the re-activation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and is characterized by unilateral, vesicular cutaneous eruptions, acute neuritis and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). To date, data on HZ associated pain (ZAP) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in Argentina are scarce. This study assesses the burden of illness associated with HZ in Argentina in a real-life clinical setting. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, single-cohort study. Patients were enrolled at various time points during the course of a zoster episode and were followed for ≤6 months. ZAP was assessed with the Initial Zoster Impact Questionnaire and the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory, while QoL was assessed with the EQ-5D instrument using the Hispanic preference weights. RESULTS: A total of 96 HZ patients were enrolled with a mean (SD) age of 70.14 (10.7) years and 64 (66.7%) being females. At baseline, mean (SD) time since rash onset was 15.92 (16.9) days. Prior to rash onset (prodrome phase), a significant proportion (59.4%) of patients experienced a worst pain score of ≥5. ZAP was reported by 92 (95.8%) patients at baseline. Mean (SD) worst pain score decreased from 5.47 (3.1) at baseline to 2.94 (3.0) at 30 days and 0.21 (0.7) at 180 days. PHN (worst pain ≥3 after ≥90 days since rash onset) was experienced by 11 (11.5%) patients. The mean (SD) EQ-5D score significantly decreased (P<0.001) from 0.84 (0.10) before rash onset to 0.63 (0.20) after rash onset, increasing thereafter, showing significant (P<0.05) QoL deterioration up to 60 days of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: HZ pain can significantly reduce QoL and ability to perform daily activities of people living in Argentina highlighting the importance of early intervention or prevention. These findings are consistent with observational studies in other countries.