Herpes Zoster
Shingles treated early to protect the nerve.
Shingles is the reactivation of dormant varicella-zoster virus in a nerve root, producing a painful blistering rash confined to one dermatome, usually on the trunk or face.
- Within 72h
- Urgency
- 7 days
- Antivirals
- 2–4 wks
- Healing
- Yes
- Review
- High-dose antiviral therapy
- Neuropathic pain management
- Ophthalmology referral where indicated
- Wound & blister care
Diagnosed first, treated second.
The critical variable is timing. Antiviral therapy is most effective when started early, ideally within 72 hours, and may reduce acute symptoms and some complications — nerve pain that can persist for months. Facial involvement near the eye is an emergency.
- 01High-dose antiviral therapy
- 02Neuropathic pain management
- 03Ophthalmology referral where indicated
- 04Wound & blister care
- 05Vaccination counselling
- Painful blistering rash on one side of the body
- Burning or tingling before a rash appears
- Rash near the eye or on the forehead
- Age over 50 with new nerve pain
- Reduced immunity with a new rash
How the treatment works
A sequence, not a single appointment — each step informs the next.
- 01
Immediate diagnosis
Clinical recognition, with PCR confirmation where the presentation is atypical.
- 02
Antiviral therapy
High-dose antivirals started urgently, ideally within the first 72 hours.
- 03
Pain control
A structured analgesic plan including neuropathic agents where required.
- 04
Complication watch
Eye involvement, secondary infection and persistent nerve pain are monitored.
Results measured, not promised.
What to expect
- 01Rash healing accelerated
- 02Acute pain controlled
- 03Post-herpetic neuralgia risk reduced
- 04Ocular complications avoided
- 05Vaccination advice for the future
Results, treatment timing and recovery vary by diagnosis and individual factors. This page is educational and does not replace a medical consultation or guarantee an outcome. Suitability and alternatives are confirmed during assessment.
Begin with a diagnosis,
not a guess.
Share a few details and the clinic will reply with available consultation times for herpes zoster — one-to-one with Dr. Arely.
- Response
- Within 24 hours
- Consultation
- One-to-one, 45 min
- Assessment
- Trichoscopy included
- Location
- Dr. Arely Clinic
Frequently asked
Antivirals work best when started promptly, ideally within 72 hours. They can shorten the illness; the effect on long-term nerve pain varies with age and individual risk.
The blister fluid can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had it or been vaccinated.
Nerve pain persisting after the rash heals — more common with age and delayed treatment.
It can. Vaccination substantially lowers the risk of a further episode.