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 started within 72 hours substantially reduces the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia — 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
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 within 72 hours markedly reduce the risk of long-term nerve pain.
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.