{"id":81063,"date":"2025-09-02T13:05:19","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T04:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/shingles\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T19:24:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T10:24:04","slug":"shingles","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/en\/treatment\/shingles\/","title":{"rendered":"Shingles Treatment | Dermatology Outpatient Clinic"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-sgb-message\"><div class=\"memo sng-shadow-0\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#fff9e6;color:#ffb36b\"><div class=\"memo_ttl dfont\"><span class=\"sng-box-msg__icon\" style=\"background:#ffb36b\"><i class=\"fas fa-pencil-alt\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"sng-box-msg__title\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sng-box-msg__contents\">\n<p>Appointments for \u201cShingles (Herpes Zoster)\u201d are available only at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at our Shinjuku location.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-sgb-message\"><div class=\"memo sng-shadow-0\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#fff9e6;color:#ffb36b\"><div class=\"memo_ttl dfont\"><span class=\"sng-box-msg__icon\" style=\"background:#ffb36b\"><i class=\"fas fa-pencil-alt\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"sng-box-msg__title\"><p style=\"font-size:1.1em;line-height:1.8;margin:0;\"> <strong style=\"font-size:1.2em;color:#ff0000;\">What You Will Learn From This Article<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sng-box-msg__contents\">\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0;\">\u2705 <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">How to recognize the early symptoms of shingles<\/span> before they worsen<\/p>\n<p>\u2705 The truth about the risk: <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">1 in 3 people over 50 may develop shingles<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u2705 Key points for early treatment to prevent <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">pain so severe it can keep you up at night<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u2705 How vaccination can offer a <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">high rate of prevention<\/span> against shingles<\/p>\n\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.05em; margin-top: 15px; padding: 15px; background: #fff; border-radius: 4px;\">\u26a0\ufe0f <strong style=\"color: #ff0000;\">What Can Happen If You Don\u2019t Read This<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\ude30 Risk of missing early symptoms and allowing the condition to worsen<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\ude2d Possibility of <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">persistent pain lasting months or even years<\/span> due to complications<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udcb8 Prolonged treatment leading to increased medical costs and time burden<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ic-clinic.b4a.clinic\/clinics\/312\/bookings\/new\/select\/menu\/\">Book Online \u2013 Shinjuku Dermatology General Outpatient Clinic<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-20959078 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-btn_button_sango\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ic-clinic.com\/reservation\/ueno\/\">\ud83d\udcc5 Book Online Here<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udcad \u201cWhat kind of condition is shingles?\u201d<br>\ud83d\udcad \u201cWhat are the symptoms and causes of shingles?\u201d<\/p>\n\n<p>If you have been troubled by a skin condition resembling chickenpox, you are not alone.<\/p>\n\n<p>Shingles (herpes zoster) <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">develops when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates<\/span> in the body.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-0\">\ud83d\udca1 What Is Shingles?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Shingles is an <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%)\">\u201cinfectious disease\u201d that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus remaining in the body reactivates due to aging, fatigue, or other factors<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>The main symptoms include <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">itching, pain, and blisters<\/span> that follow the path of a nerve on one side of the body.<\/p>\n\n<p>In most cases, the condition <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">resolves within approximately 1\u20132 weeks<\/span> with antiviral medication; however, nerve damage or prolonged complications are more likely under the following conditions:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud83d\udc74 Older age<\/li>\n<li>\ud83e\ude7a Having diabetes<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\ude23 Shingles occurring on the face<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#ff0000;font-size:1.1em;\">The most important factor in treating shingles is <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">starting treatment as early as possible<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>If you experience pain or swelling along a nerve, please consult a physician promptly.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-1\">\ud83d\udc89 Can Shingles Be Prevented with Vaccination?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Shingles is <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">an infectious disease that can be helped by vaccination<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">The shingles vaccine is recommended for people aged 50 and over, and in addition to helping prevent the disease, it may also help reduce the severity of symptoms if shingles does occur<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>People who have had chickenpox already carry immunity to the virus.<\/p>\n\n<p>However, immunity tends to weaken with age, making it important to reinforce it over time.<\/p>\n\n<p>It is said that <span style=\"color:#ff0000;font-size:1.2em;\"><span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">1 in 3 people will develop shingles by the age of 80<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Because prevention and early treatment are so important for this condition, please consider speaking with a physician about vaccination.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"doctor-comment-box\">\n<div class=\"doctor-info\">\n<span class=\"doctor-name\">Kota Takakuwa<\/span>\n<span class=\"doctor-title\">Physician \u00b7 Lead Treating Doctor at Our Clinic<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"doctor-comment\">Shingles is a condition whose risk of occurrence tends to increase with age. In particular, once people pass the age of 50, a decline in immune function makes it easier for the virus to reactivate. At our clinic, we prioritize early diagnosis and prompt treatment, and we work with each patient to suggest a treatment plan suited to their symptoms and age. If you notice pain or a tingling, prickling sensation, please do not hesitate to consult us right away rather than waiting it out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-2\">\ud83e\udd14 Can Shingles Spread to Others?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Shingles can potentially be transmitted to other people.<\/p>\n\n<p>However, <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">because most people already have immunity, the likelihood of transmission is very low<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>In addition, if the affected area is covered with gauze or clothing, the risk of transmission to someone without immunity is minimal even with close contact.<\/p>\n\n<p>That said, <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\"><span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">please be aware that if shingles progresses and blisters spread across the entire body, airborne transmission may become a concern<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-3\">\ud83d\ude30 What Are the Symptoms of Shingles? Early Symptoms Explained<\/h2>\n\n<p>When shingles develops, it typically presents with the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud83d\udca7 Small fluid-filled blisters<\/li>\n<li>\ud83c\udf21\ufe0f Fever<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\udd34 Swollen lymph nodes<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\ude16 Itching<\/li>\n<li>\u26a1 Pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>In particular, <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">itching, pain, and unusual sensations that follow the path of a nerve on one side of the body are considered early symptoms<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Blisters can also cause various complications depending on where they appear.<\/p>\n\n<p>For example, <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">blisters on the neck or chest may lead to weakness in the arms, while those in the lower back area may cause weakness in the legs<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Among all symptoms, pain tends to have the greatest impact on daily life.<\/p>\n\n<p>Pain is typically at its most intense during the first two weeks, and <span style=\"color:#ff0000;font-size:1.1em;\"><span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">in some cases it may be severe enough to interfere with sleep<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-4\">\ud83d\udd0d What Causes Shingles? Is Stress a Factor?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The cause of shingles is <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>When children are infected with the varicella-zoster virus, they develop chickenpox.<\/p>\n\n<p>Even after chickenpox resolves, the inactivated virus remains in the nerve roots; however, in most cases the immune system keeps the virus dormant.<\/p>\n\n<p>However, <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">when immune function declines due to aging, stress, or other factors, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-sgb-message\"><div class=\"memo sng-shadow-0\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#fff9e6;color:#ffb36b\"><div class=\"memo_ttl dfont\"><span class=\"sng-box-msg__icon\" style=\"background:#ffb36b\"><i class=\"fas fa-pencil-alt\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"sng-box-msg__title\"><p style=\"font-size:1.1em;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"font-size:1.2em;color:#2e7d32;\">If You Have Any Concerns, Please Consult Us Early \ud83c\udfe5<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sng-box-msg__contents\">\n<p style=\"font-size:1.1em;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"font-size:1.2em;color:#2e7d32;\"> <\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"margin:10px 0 15px 0;line-height:1.8;\">\u2728 Pay attention if you notice <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">unusual sensations or a tingling, prickling pain on the skin<\/span><br><br>\u2728 Starting treatment at the early symptom stage can <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">significantly reduce the risk of complications<\/span><br><br>\u2728 Our experienced physicians provide thorough consultations and care<br><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ic-clinic.b4a.clinic\/clinics\/312\/bookings\/new\/select\/menu\/\">Book Online \u2013 Shinjuku Dermatology General Outpatient Clinic<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-5\">\ud83d\udc8a How Is Shingles Treated? Medications Explained<\/h2>\n\n<p>Shingles is treated with <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">oral antiviral medication or intravenous antiviral therapy<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Specific medications that may be prescribed include the following:<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>\ud83d\udc8a Type of Medication<\/th><th>\ud83d\udccb Medication Name<\/th><\/tr><tr><th>Antiviral (oral)<\/th><td>\u30fbValtrex (valacyclovir)<br>\u30fbFamvir (famciclovir)<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Intravenous<\/th><td>\u30fbZovirax (acyclovir)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p>For post-herpetic neuralgia, the following medications may be prescribed to help manage pain:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud83d\udc8a Lyrica (pregabalin)<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\udc8a Tramacet (tramadol\/acetaminophen)<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\udc8a Calonal (acetaminophen) and other analgesics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>In cases of severe pain, procedures to suppress nerve activity may also be considered to help provide relief.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-6\">\u2753 Frequently Asked Questions About Shingles<\/h2>\n\n<p>Here is a summary of frequently asked questions about shingles.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-7\">\ud83c\udfe5 Which Medical Department Should I Visit for Shingles?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Shingles can be <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">treated at a dermatology (skin) clinic<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Starting treatment early for shingles can help prevent or reduce the severity of complications and the lingering condition known as <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">\u201cpost-herpetic neuralgia.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p>Common early symptoms of shingles include:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u26a1 Itching or pain along the nerves on one side of the body<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\ude23 Unusual sensations on the skin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#ff0000;font-size:1.1em;\"><span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">If you have any reason to suspect shingles, please see a physician as soon as possible<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-8\">\ud83d\ude30 Can Shingles Occur on the Face?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Shingles can occur on the face.<\/p>\n\n<p>If <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">shingles develops on the face, it is more likely to cause complications than in other areas, so extra caution is needed<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>The following table outlines possible complications depending on the area of the face affected:<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>\ud83d\udc42 Area of the Face<\/th><th>\u26a0\ufe0f Possible Complications<\/th><\/tr><tr><th>Around the ears<\/th><td>\u30fbFacial nerve palsy<br>\u30fbHearing loss<br>\u30fbVertigo, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Around the eyes<\/th><td>\u30fbConjunctivitis<br>\u30fbKeratitis, etc.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p>In particular, shingles around the eyes is referred to as <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">\u201cophthalmic herpes zoster,\u201d<\/span> and there is <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">a possibility of complications arising even in the early stages<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>If blisters are observed running from the bridge of the nose to the tip, <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">eye-related complications are considered more likely to occur<\/span>, so please seek medical attention promptly.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-9\">\ud83e\udd14 Can Shingles Heal on Its Own?<\/h3>\n\n<p>In mild cases of shingles, spontaneous recovery within 2\u20133 weeks may occur.<\/p>\n\n<p>However, <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\"><span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">in older adults or those with weakened immune systems, shingles is more likely to become severe, and spontaneous recovery cannot be relied upon<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>In particular, when the condition becomes severe, <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">persistent pain or complications such as skin damage may remain<\/span> even after the apparent recovery, so early treatment is advisable whenever possible.<\/p>\n\n<p>If you notice itching or unusual sensations on your skin, <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">please see a physician rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-10\">\u23f0 Are There Warning Signs Before Shingles Develops?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Early symptoms of shingles may include <span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">itching, pain, and unusual sensations along the nerves on one side of the body<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Skin discomfort often appears about one week before blisters form, although in some cases it may appear at the same time as the blisters or slightly after.<\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#ff0000;font-size:1.1em;\"><span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">Prevention and early treatment are essential when it comes to shingles<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>To avoid lasting complications, please consult a physician if you notice any unusual sensations on your skin.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-11\">\ud83c\udfe5 For Shingles Treatment in Tokyo, Consult IC Clinic<\/h2>\n\n<p>Shingles develops as a result of the chickenpox virus contracted in childhood.<\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"background: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, #ffff00 60%);\">Anyone who has had chickenpox may potentially develop shingles, and the condition tends to become more serious with advancing age<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Because severe cases may lead to intense pain or lasting complications, please consult a physician at the first sign of any unusual skin sensation.<\/p>\n\n<p>IC Clinic strives to be a welcoming clinic for patients of all ages and backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n<p>No matter what symptoms you are experiencing, we will work closely with you to suggest a treatment approach that puts your mind at ease. If you have any concerns about skin pain or itching, please do not hesitate to reach out to IC Clinic.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-sgb-message\"><div class=\"memo sng-shadow-0\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#fff9e6;color:#ffb36b\"><div class=\"memo_ttl dfont\"><span class=\"sng-box-msg__icon\" style=\"background:#ffb36b\"><i class=\"fas fa-pencil-alt\"><\/i><\/span><div class=\"sng-box-msg__title\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sng-box-msg__contents\">\n<p>Appointments for \u201cShingles (Herpes Zoster)\u201d are available only at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at our Shinjuku location.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-20959078 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-btn_button_sango\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ic-clinic.com\/reservation\/ueno\/\">\ud83d\udcc5 Book Online Here<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Appointments for \u201cShingles (Herpes Zoster)\u201d are available only at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at our Shinjuku location. What You Will Learn From This Article \u2705 How to recognize the early symptoms of shingles before they worsen \u2705 The truth about the risk: 1 in 3 people over 50 may develop shingles \u2705 Key points for &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":79973,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-81063","page","type-page","status-publish","entry","nothumb"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/81063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81063"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/81063\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81064,"href":"https:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/81063\/revisions\/81064"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/79973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ic-clinic-ueno.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}