Shingles treatment online by dermatologist

You can hug your kids if the rash is covered and they are not at high risk, but direct contact with the blisters should be avoided. The virus can spread through contact with open blisters and may cause chickenpox in someone who has not had it or been vaccinated.

Shingles begins with a prodromal stage of nerve pain or tingling, followed by a rash stage with red patches and blisters. The blisters then crust over and heal, though some people may experience lingering nerve pain afterward.

While a dermatologist can prescribe oral antivirals for shingles, antiviral eye drops are typically prescribed and managed by an ophthalmologist. Eye involvement requires urgent specialist evaluation to prevent vision complications.

Yes, it is possible to get shingles more than once, although most people only experience it a single time. The risk of recurrence increases with age or weakened immunity.

Shingles is not effectively treated with antiviral creams alone. The primary treatment is prescription oral antiviral medication, while soothing creams or lotions may be used only to help relieve discomfort.

To care for shingles blisters at home, keep the area clean and dry by gently washing with mild soap and water and patting it dry. Avoid scratching or popping the blisters, as this can lead to infection and scarring. Applying cool, damp compresses can help soothe pain and reduce inflammation. You may use calamine lotion or other doctor-recommended soothing products to relieve itching. Wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize irritation, and follow your doctor’s instructions if you’ve been prescribed antiviral medication to support healing.

Yes, shingles can cause a fever, although not everyone experiences it. Fever is more common in the early stage of shingles and may occur along with headache, fatigue, and general body aches before or during the rash. If the fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by severe symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care.

A person with shingles can sometimes go to work, depending on their symptoms and work environment. If the rash can be fully covered, the blisters are dry or crusted, and the person feels well enough, working is generally acceptable. However, they should stay home if the blisters are open and oozing, the rash cannot be covered, they feel unwell, or they work closely with high-risk individuals such as pregnant women, newborns, immunocompromised people, or unvaccinated individuals. Shingles is contagious through direct contact with blister fluid until all lesions have crusted over, which usually takes about 7–10 days after the rash appears.

Yes. Shingles is more common in adults over the age of 50, and the risk increases further with age. This is because the immune system naturally weakens over time, making it easier for the varicella-zoster virus to reactivate. Older adults are also more likely to experience complications, such as long-lasting nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia).