What are the treatment options for shingles?

Shingles is a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox. It commonly produces burning, tingling, or pain followed by a stripe-like rash with blisters on one side of the body. Treatment is selected according to when symptoms began, your age, general health, medicines, and the rash location. A clinician may use the rash and symptoms to assess you, while an uncertain presentation may need further evaluation.

Antiviral treatment can limit viral activity and is most useful when started promptly, so contact a GP or other clinician as soon as you suspect shingles. Pain relief may be recommended for burning or nerve pain. Keep blisters clean and covered with loose clothing, avoid scratching, and wash your hands after touching the area. Until the blisters have crusted, avoid close contact with people who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or who have never had chickenpox or its vaccine. Ask about shingles vaccination after the acute illness has settled; it is prevention, not treatment for the current rash.

Seek same-day medical advice for a rash near the eye, on the forehead or nose, around the ear, or with facial weakness, because these locations can threaten vision, hearing, or nerves. Get urgent help for severe headache, confusion, weakness, widespread blisters, or feeling very unwell. Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

Ask whether the rash fits shingles, whether antiviral treatment is appropriate now, how to manage nerve pain, how long to avoid vulnerable contacts, and when you can return to normal activities. Ask when vaccination should be considered and which symptoms mean the rash needs urgent review.