Shingles treatment visit

About Shingles treatment visit

A shingles visit confirms reactivation of varicella-zoster virus along a single dermatome and starts antiviral therapy — valacyclovir, famciclovir, or acyclovir — ideally within 72 hours of rash onset to shorten the course and reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Pain control may require gabapentin, tricyclic antidepressants, or short courses of opioids. Ophthalmic involvement (V1 distribution), disseminated disease, immunocompromise, or pregnancy require specialist or in-person evaluation. Recombinant zoster vaccine is recommended after the acute episode resolves.