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Conditions
Shingles(HerpesZoster)
A painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Usually appears as a band of blisters on one side of the body.
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6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
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30%
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Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofShingles(HerpesZoster)
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Pain, burning, or tingling (often before rash)
Red rash with blisters
Rash in a band on one side of body
Itching
Fever and fatigue
Headache
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Assessment and antiviral prescription (if within 72 hours)
- Pain management advice
- Medical certificates for recovery period
- Referral if rash is near eye
What needs in-person care
- In-person examination if rash location unclear
- Treatment for eye involvement (needs urgent ophthalmology)
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Rash on face (especially near eyes)
- 2Rash within 72 hours (antivirals most effective)
- 3Severe pain
- 4Weakened immune system
- 5You need a medical certificate
Seek emergency care if
- Rash near or in the eye
- Rash on face with facial weakness
- Severe headache with rash
- Confusion or difficulty breathing
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonShingles(HerpesZoster)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox) that has been dormant in your nerve cells, sometimes for decades. The single most important thing about shingles treatment is timing - antiviral medication (valaciclovir) is most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing, ideally within 24 hours. This is why telehealth is particularly well-suited for shingles: if you recognise the characteristic painful, blistering rash in a band on one side of your body, getting a quick telehealth consultation can start treatment hours faster than waiting for a GP appointment. The risk of postherpetic neuralgia (persistent nerve pain after the rash heals) increases with age and with delayed treatment. If the rash involves the forehead or area around the eye, this is ophthalmic shingles and requires urgent in-person review due to the risk of eye damage.
Treatment
TreatingShingles(HerpesZoster)
Shingles treatment centres on antiviral medication started as early as possible -- ideally within 72 hours of rash onset. Antivirals reduce the severity, duration, and risk of postherpetic neuralgia (persistent nerve pain). Pain management is equally important and may require multiple agents.
Valaciclovir
Valtrex, Valaciclovir Sandoz
Class:Antiviral (nucleoside analogue prodrug)
Typical dose:1g three times daily for 7 days
PBS:PBS listed for herpes zoster (shingles) when started within 72 hours
- Preferred antiviral for shingles (better absorption than aciclovir)
- Must be started within 72 hours of rash onset for maximum benefit
- Reduces risk of postherpetic neuralgia by approximately 50%
- Simpler dosing schedule than aciclovir (3 times daily vs 5 times daily)
Aciclovir
Zovirax
Class:Antiviral (nucleoside analogue)
Typical dose:800mg five times daily for 7 days
PBS:PBS listed for herpes zoster when started within 72 hours
- Alternative antiviral when valaciclovir is unavailable
- Requires 5 doses per day which can be difficult to adhere to
- Dose adjustment required in kidney impairment
- Available in oral and IV formulations (IV for severe/immunocompromised cases)
Pregabalin
Lyrica
Class:Gabapentinoid (neuropathic pain agent)
Typical dose:75mg twice daily, increasing to 150-300mg twice daily as needed
PBS:PBS listed for neuropathic pain (including postherpetic neuralgia)
- First-line treatment for postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles)
- Start at low dose and titrate slowly over 1-2 weeks
- May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain
- Schedule 4 medication - prescription required
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Antibiotic & Neurology, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral is recommended for ophthalmic shingles (rash near the eye - urgent ophthalmology), shingles in immunocompromised patients, disseminated shingles, or postherpetic neuralgia not responding to first-line treatment.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) in Australia
Approximately 1 in 3 Australians will develop shingles in their lifetime
Shingles is most common in adults over 50, with risk increasing with age
The Shingrix vaccine is available on the National Immunisation Program for Australians aged 65+
Postherpetic neuralgia affects 10-18% of shingles patients and can persist for months to years
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
The rash typically blisters over 3-5 days, crusts over in 7-10 days, and fully heals in 2-4 weeks. Pain may precede the rash by 1-5 days (prodromal pain). Postherpetic neuralgia can persist for months in some patients.
Return to work
You can return to work once all blisters have crusted over (usually 7-10 days), as long as you can cover the rash. Before crusting, you are contagious to people who have not had chickenpox - avoid pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals. Pain may limit your work capacity before the rash fully heals.
When to reassess
Seek urgent review if the rash involves your face or eye area, if you develop headache with neck stiffness, if the rash is widespread (not just one dermatome), or if you are immunocompromised. Also see your doctor if pain persists after the rash has healed.
Self-Care
ManagingShingles(HerpesZoster)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Start antiviral treatment as early as possible - within 72 hours of rash onset (see a doctor urgently if you suspect shingles)
Keep the rash clean and dry - cover with a loose, non-stick dressing if needed
Calamine lotion or cool compresses can soothe itching and discomfort
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with pain - your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relief if needed
Avoid scratching blisters - this increases infection risk and can worsen scarring
Wear loose, cotton clothing over the affected area to reduce irritation
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutShingles(HerpesZoster)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Antivirals are most effective when started within 72 hours of rash appearing. Earlier is better.
Yes. Shingles can be very painful and contagious to those who haven't had chickenpox. Recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks.
The rash can spread chickenpox to people who haven't had it. Avoid contact with pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised people until blisters crust over.
Yes, though it's less common. The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of recurrence.
Ready to get help with Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
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