Shingles Treatment

Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong offers English-friendly evaluation and treatment for shingles (herpes zoster)—a painful, blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.

What Shingles Is

Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus (which remains dormant in nerves) reactivates later in life. It usually presents as a painful, tingling rash on one side of the body or face.

Common features:

• Pain, tingling, or burning before the rash appears
• Clusters of fluid-filled blisters following a nerve distribution (dermatome)
• Sensitivity to touch; sometimes fever, headache, or fatigue
• Involvement of the eye, ear, or face may require urgent referral

Why Prompt Care Matters

• Antiviral medication (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir) works best when started within 72 hours of rash onset.
• Early treatment may reduce rash severity and lower the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (lingering nerve pain).
• Pain control and wound care reduce discomfort and prevent secondary infection.

What We Offer at VEI Clinic

• Rapid evaluation and diagnosis of suspected shingles
• Prescription of antivirals if indicated (timing and dosing tailored to you)
• Pain management plan: non-opioid analgesics, topical options, nerve-pain medications if needed
• Skin care guidance: dressing, hygiene, cooling measures to protect blisters
• Referral to ophthalmology/ENT if the eye or ear is involved
• Vaccination counseling (Shingrix) to reduce future risk—given here or by referral, as appropriate

Who Should Seek Urgent or Hospital Care

• Rash near the eye (risk to vision)
• Severe pain, widespread rash, or immunosuppression
• High fever with confusion or signs of meningitis/encephalitis
• Severe dehydration or inability to keep medications down

How to Prepare (Simple Checklist)

• Note when symptoms began (pain and rash onset)
• Bring a medication/allergy list, especially if you are immunosuppressed or on steroids
• Avoid scratching blisters; keep the rash clean and covered
• Wear loose clothing for an easier exam

Visit Flow (What to Expect)

• Brief consult → history, exam, confirm diagnosis
• Treatment plan → start antivirals if within the treatment window; pain control
• Skin-care instructions → English handout for home care
• Follow-up → wound check and pain assessment in 3–7 days (case-by-case)

Pricing & Insurance Notes

• Fees vary by consultation, labs (if needed), and prescriptions
• Most visitors pay upfront; many insurers reimburse with documentation
• Ask for an itemized English receipt (with diagnosis/procedure codes)

Safety Note (Not an Emergency Service)

If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, confusion, stroke symptoms, or very high fever with dehydration, call 119 or go to an ER. Eye or ear shingles also warrant urgent specialist referral.

What to Bring

• Medication & supplement list, prior vaccination records
• Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll file a claim