Herpes Zoster: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Herpes Zoster?
Herpes zoster, also called shingles, is often diagnosed and treated by a primary care doctor. A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is herpes zoster?
Herpes zoster, also called shingles, is an infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus stays in your body. It may not cause problems for many years. But as you get older, it may become active again and cause shingles. About 1 in 3 people in the United States will have shingles in their lifetime.
Symptoms
Early signs of shingles are burning or shooting pain, tingling, or itching. It is usually on one side of the body or face. A rash of blisters appears up to several days later. The blisters typically scab over in 7 to 10 days. Some people also have:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Chills.
- Upset stomach.
The pain can be mild to severe. The rash is usually a single stripe around either the left or the right side of the body. Shingles can lead to complications. The most common one is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), long-lasting nerve pain. PHN usually gets better in a few weeks or months, but some people have pain from it for many years. If shingles affects the eye, vision loss can happen. It may be temporary or permanent. Shingles in or near the ear can cause hearing or balance problems and weak face muscles on that side. Very rarely, shingles can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, or death.
Causes and who gets it
Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. The risk goes up as you get older, and shingles is most common in people over age 50. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. This includes people with HIV, certain cancers, or medicines such as steroids or organ transplant drugs. Having an infection or stress may also weaken your immune system and raise your risk. Children can have shingles, but it is not common. Most people have shingles only once, but it is possible to have it more than once.
You cannot get shingles from someone else. But a person who never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine can catch chickenpox from direct contact with fluid from a shingles rash. The risk of spreading the virus is low if the rash is kept covered.
How doctors diagnose it
Usually a health care provider can diagnose shingles by taking your medical history and looking at your rash. In some cases, the provider may scrape off tissue from the rash or swab fluid from the blisters. The sample is sent to a lab for testing.
Treatment
There is no cure for shingles. Antiviral medicines may make the attack shorter and less severe. They may also help prevent PHN. Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are antiviral medicines used for shingles. The medicines work best if taken within 3 days after the rash appears. Pain relievers may help with the pain. A cool washcloth, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths may help relieve itching.
When to see a doctor
If you think you might have shingles, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. See your doctor no later than three days after the rash starts. If you notice blisters on your face, see your doctor right away because this could be an urgent problem. Blisters near or in the eye can cause lasting eye damage and blindness.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if shingles comes with confusion, trouble speaking, sudden weakness, or trouble breathing.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look at a rash, talk about treatment, and help manage lasting nerve pain. They can also refer you to a specialist when needed.
Common questions
Is herpes zoster the same as shingles?
Yes, herpes zoster is the medical name for shingles. Both names mean the infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Is herpes zoster contagious?
No, you cannot get shingles from someone else. But you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have direct contact with fluid from their rash. Covering the rash lowers the risk of spreading the virus.
Can you get herpes zoster more than once?
Yes, it is possible, but most people have shingles only once.
Can herpes zoster be prevented?
Yes, a vaccine called Shingrix can help prevent shingles and its complications. The CDC recommends 2 doses for adults 50 years and older. It is also recommended for adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
- National Institute on Aging - Shingles
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
