Does shingles recur?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on April 16, 2025

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Shingles can recur. It is a disease mostly caused by the infection of the skin with the herpes zoster virus, and it is closely related to the body's resistance and immunity. The virus resides within the body, and the disease does not manifest when resistance and immunity are high. However, when the body's resistance and immunity are low, it can cause a recurrence of shingles, leading to corresponding clinical symptoms.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

33sec

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How is herpes zoster diagnosed?

The diagnosis of herpes zoster is primarily based on clinical symptoms. First, the skin lesions appear as clusters of vesicles, which are distributed in a band-like pattern along one side of peripheral nerves. Second, there is significant neuralgia accompanied by swelling of the local lymph nodes. Third, the skin in the middle is normal. If these three clinical symptoms are present, it can generally be confirmed as herpes zoster.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

35sec

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Does herpes zoster require hospitalization?

Whether hospitalization is needed after contracting shingles depends on the severity of the condition. In most cases, shingles is mild and does not require hospitalization. Treatment can be managed with oral antiviral medications, supplements to nourish the nerves, and topical medications. However, if the shingles is severe and causes complications, hospitalization may be necessary. It is advised to maintain a light diet, avoid overly spicy foods, and ensure adequate rest.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

41sec

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Does shingles recur?

Shingles, this skin disease is recurrent. Not only is it contagious, but it also has a propensity to recur. The likelihood of recurrence is greatly influenced by one's own resistance and also greatly related to the people one comes into contact with. Therefore, after recovering from shingles, it is essential to avoid further contact with other shingles patients or those with chickenpox. One should balance work and rest, drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, and enhance personal immunity. If shingles recurs, it is crucial to seek timely treatment at a reputable hospital.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

48sec

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What family does shingles belong to?

Shingles can be treated in three medical departments. First, dermatology. Since the blisters primarily appear on the skin, seeing a dermatologist can treat shingles. Second, neurology. As shingles may be caused by nerve damage, treatment can be sought from a neurologist. Third, for severe pain, especially if postherpetic neuralgia remains after shingles, one can consult the pain management department. The initial symptoms of shingles are mainly pain, particularly unilateral limb or unilateral scalp/facial pain.

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Written by Li Ya Ping

Dermatology Department

1min 7sec

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How long does it take for shingles to heal?

The symptoms of shingles can generally be divided into two categories. The first involves blisters on the skin, typically unilateral, and the second is that these blisters are often accompanied by pain, which varies in intensity from person to person. Generally speaking, the older the individual, the more severe the pain may be. As for the duration until recovery from shingles, the skin symptoms usually heal within two to three weeks for young people, but for older adults, it generally takes about three to four weeks. If the rash leads to a secondary infection, the recovery may take even longer. This is the duration for the alleviation of skin symptoms. If the condition involves nerve pain, the recovery might take longer. For people over 50, the duration of nerve pain can be significantly longer, and some may experience postherpetic neuralgia, where the skin symptoms have disappeared, but the nerve pain persists, possibly lasting for months or even years.