There are several treatment options for shingles and starting them early can make a big difference.1 Starting antiviral treatment within 72 hours of rash appearance can help shorten the outbreak and lessen the severity.1,2
Managing the pain associated with shingles is also an important part of treatment.1 As shingles pain can be severe, it is not uncommon for your doctor to prescribe multiple medications to achieve pain relief.2,3 If the pain continues after the rash has gone away (a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN),4 seeing a pain specialist can provide you with more specific relief.2,3
References:
1. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. Albrecht, M.A., Levin, M.J. (2025). Treatment of herpes zoster. UpToDate. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-herpes-zoster. Accessed 26 September 2025.
3. Stankus, S. J., et al. (2000). Management of herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia. American Family Physician, 61, 2437–2444.
4. Sacks, G. M. (2013). Unmet need in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. American Journal of Managed Care, 19 (Suppl 1), S207–S213.
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