Shingles Treatment Online
$22
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- Video call with a doctor in under 5 minutes
- Pick up your medicine from a nearby pharmacy
- Get 7-day free follow-up via chat.
See a doctor for a fast shingles treatment online
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How can Doctorsa help with shingles treatment online?
If you’re looking for shingles (herpes zoster) treatment online, the good news is that it’s now easier than ever to get the help you need. With Doctorsa, you can connect with a licensed doctor and receive a diagnosis from the comfort of your hotel, vacation rental, or wherever you are—no need to rush to a clinic or wait in long lines.
What happens during an online consultation for herpes zoster?
During your online consultation for herpes zoster treatment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, which often include a painful, skin rash and possibly tingling or burning sensations. They may also inquire if you’ve recently had other infections or physical stress, as these can trigger an outbreak.
Even though the doctor can’t perform a physical exam, they can often diagnose herpes zoster based on your description, and you can send photos to help them assess your condition.
When is follow-up care necessary?
If your case needs more attention, such as if you’re experiencing severe pain or symptoms in sensitive areas (like the eyes), the doctor may recommend extra care or a follow-up to ensure a full recovery. For travelers, Doctorsa can guide you to a nearby pharmacy or help arrange medication delivery, so accessing your treatment is straightforward.
What are the treatment options for herpes zoster?
Once diagnosed, you’ll receive the appropriate treatment for herpes zoster online. This typically includes antiviral medications, like valacyclovir, acyclovir, or famciclovir, which help reduce the virus’s spread, alleviate pain, and speed up healing. Pain management options may also be suggested, especially if shocking pain (neuralgia) is present.
The doctor may also provide general tips to support recovery, such as maintaining a balanced diet, reducing stress, and getting plenty of rest to help your immune system fight the virus.
How long does recovery take?
Keep in mind that recovery from herpes zoster can take up to two to four weeks, depending on the severity of symptoms. Doctorsa offers a free 7-day chat with your provider to track your progress and answer any questions during your recovery journey.
Getting herpes zoster treatment online is a fast and convenient way to manage your health while traveling, giving you quick access to expert care and the medications you need.
Guide for
Shingles Treatment Online
By Medical Editor:
Dr. Francesco-Maria Serino, MD, PhD
October, 2024
Summary
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which remains dormant after a person recovers from chickenpox. Typically affecting older adults and those with weakened immune systems, shingles presents as a painful rash, often accompanied by tingling or burning sensations. Common treatments include antiviral medications like acyclovir and valacyclovir, which reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. Pain management and supportive care are also essential to ease discomfort and prevent complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a persistent nerve pain that can follow the rash. Early intervention and vaccination for shingles, especially for adults over 50, can help reduce risks and support faster recovery.
What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovery from chickenpox, VZV remains dormant in nerve tissues and can later reactivate as shingles. This condition typically causes a painful rash that appears on one side of the body, following the path of a nerve.
Shingles primarily affects older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. Factors such as stress and anxiety may contribute to reactivation of the virus. The shingles vaccine is recommended to help prevent shingles in adults over 50, lowering both the risk of infection and potential complications.
Symptoms of Shingles
Shingles symptoms often begin with tingling, itching, or burning pain in a specific skin area. Following this initial sensation, additional symptoms develop, including:
- Shingles rash: A red rash that emerges a few days after the initial pain, forming in a stripe or band-like pattern on one side of the body.
- Blisters: Fluid-filled blisters that eventually break open and crust over within a week.
- Fever and Fatigue: Some individuals may experience mild fever, body aches, or fatigue.
While the rash and pain are typically limited to one area, complications can arise. For instance, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a condition where severe shingles pain persists even after the rash has healed. PHN is more common in older adults and can significantly impact quality of life.
Did you know that...
While you can’t “catch” shingles from someone else, if a person with shingles transmits the virus to someone who hasn’t had chickenpox or the vaccine, that person may develop chickenpox—not shingles. This is why it’s crucial to avoid close contact with at-risk groups while the shingles rash is active.
Shingles Treatment
Shingles treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, shortening the outbreak duration, and preventing complications. Common shingles medications include:
- Antiviral medications for shingles: Drugs like acyclovir and valacyclovir are commonly prescribed to decrease symptom duration and relieve pain. These medications are most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
- Pain relief for shingles: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can alleviate pain. For more intense pain, stronger prescriptions or nerve pain medications may be recommended.
- Topical treatments: Certain creams or lotions can help soothe itching or discomfort associated with the shingles rash.
Quick initiation of treatment may help prevent complications like postherpetic neuralgia. Additionally, the shingles vaccine is available for adults over 50, offering an effective way to lower the risk of shingles and its associated complications.
Common shingles medications
Acyclovir
oral antiviral
Valacyclovir
oral antiviral
References
Oxman, M. N., & Levin, M. J. (2008). Vaccination against herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 197(Suppl 2), S228-S236.
Cohen, J. I. (2013). Clinical practice: Herpes zoster. New England Journal of Medicine, 369(3), 255-263.
Gilden, D., Nagel, M. A., & Cohrs, R. J. (2013). Varicella-zoster. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 115, 123-138.
Whitley, R. J., & Gnann, J. W. (2002). Herpes zoster in the elderly: Issues related to geriatrics. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 34(10), 1481-1486.
Johnson, R. W., & Rice, A. S. C. (2014). Clinical practice: Postherpetic neuralgia. New England Journal of Medicine, 371(16), 1526-1533.
How does it work?
99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.
Answer a few questions
Just answer a few questions about your shingles symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.
Select and connect
Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.
7-day free follow-up chat
Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.
How does it work?
99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.
Answer a few questions
Just answer a few questions about your shingles symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.
Select and connect
Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.
7-day free follow-up chat
Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.
Your questions answered
Should you stay home with shingles?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to stay home if you have shingles, especially while the rash is active and blistering. Shingles can be contagious to people who have never had chickenpox or haven’t been vaccinated against it. Staying home can help prevent spreading the virus to others, especially those with weakened immune systems.
Does shingles go away on its own?
Shingles can go away on its own, but treatment with antiviral medications can help speed up recovery, reduce pain, and prevent complications like postherpetic neuralgia. If untreated, the rash and symptoms typically resolve within 2-4 weeks, but symptoms like pain may persist for some time.
What to avoid when you have shingles?
When you have shingles, it’s important to avoid scratching or picking at the rash to prevent scarring or infection. You should also avoid close contact with those at risk, like pregnant individuals, newborns, or those with weakened immune systems. Additionally, managing stress and getting enough rest can support faster healing.
How do I know if my rash is shingles?
A shingles rash typically starts with tingling, burning, or pain in a specific area, followed by a red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters in a stripe or band pattern on one side of the body. If you experience these symptoms, you can consult a doctor online, who can help with early diagnosis and treatment to manage the condition effectively.
How does Doctorsa work?
Open the intake form and choose one of the following options:
- Urgent Care: For immediate treatment of your shingles via virtual care.
- Set Up an Appointment: To schedule a same-day or future appointment.
- Prescription Refill: Use this option if you have lost or forgotten your medication.
Next, select how you would like to receive appointment offers from doctors.
We recommend using WhatsApp as it is faster and more reliable. You will quickly receive various visit options. Choose the one that suits you best and proceed to online payment.
Video visits are browser-based, so no apps are needed. Simply click the link you receive to start your video visit in your browser.
After the consultation, expect to receive an invoice and an e-prescription via email. You can show or print the e-prescription to purchase medication at the pharmacy of your choice.
How do I get a prescription from an online doctor?
Following the consultation, the doctor will either email the e-prescription to you or send it via WhatsApp. You can then either print it out or show it directly to the pharmacist when purchasing the medication.
It’s important to understand that doctors must responsibly evaluate each case individually. They can’t simply prescribe medication solely based on a patient’s request or a recommendation from another doctor without confirming that it’s suitable for the patient’s specific condition.
How much does it cost?
The total cost may differ based on the providers. Each one competes for your request, offering a fair price tailored to your needs. On average, an online doctor visit costs 25 Euros. Prices for in-person appointments, specialists, and lab work vary by city. You can send a request to learn more—there’s no commitment to book, and you can select your provider.
Please note that the visit fee doesn’t cover medication expenses, but common antibiotics are quite affordable in Europe. The cost of antibiotic treatment typically ranges from 5 to 15 euros approximately.
Are doctors available on weekends?
Yes, whenever you submit your request it is instantly received by the doctors active at that time. Whether it’s late at night, on a Sunday morning, or on New Year’s Eve, there’s always someone on the other side who’s ready to see you. When you receive an option for an appointment, there’s a person behind it (a doctor) who’s read your request and is willing to assist you.
Can I contact the doctor for follow-up questions after the consultation?
You can message your physician with follow-up questions at no additional cost for up to 7 days after the video visit.
