Does shingles require isolation?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on June 08, 2025

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After developing herpes zoster, isolation is generally not necessary. This disease is mainly caused by a viral infection of the skin and often related to the patient's low immune resistance. It has very low infectivity, and it is generally unlikely for people with normal immune resistance to be infected. Therefore, isolation is not needed after contracting herpes zoster.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

1min 3sec

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Can you have sexual intercourse with herpes zoster?

Firstly, it is advised not to have sexual intercourse during an episode of shingles to avoid cross-infection and aid recovery. Humans are the only hosts for the varicella-zoster virus, which can enter the body through respiratory and oral tracts, genital mucosa, saliva, and skin, and lies dormant in human mucosa, blood, saliva, spinal cord, posterior nerve roots, and sensory ganglia cells. People with acute shingles need to seek prompt medical diagnosis to avoid missing the optimal treatment window and delaying the condition. The treatment principles mainly include antiviral therapy, infection control, pain relief, and aiding scab formation. Typically, proper recovery from shingles is expected within seven to ten days in a standard hospital, and this helps in reducing the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

41sec

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How long should shingles be isolated?

The contagious period of shingles is about two weeks, so it is advisable to isolate for two to three weeks. Shingles typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems and is mainly caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The primary symptoms are red blister clusters on the skin that follow nerve pathways, accompanied by significant pain. Treatment primarily focuses on antiviral medication, nourishing the nerves, and relieving pain. Generally, within two to three weeks, the rash can crust over and shed, at which point it is no longer contagious, and isolation is no longer necessary.

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Written by Yu Gang

Dermatology Department

29sec

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Can you drink alcohol with herpes zoster?

Herpes zoster is caused by a viral infection of the nerves, usually following a cold. It is important to rest, avoid alcohol, and not eat spicy or rich foods. Additionally, take some antiviral medication such as acyclovir orally, and vitamins B1 and B12 to nourish the nerves. Make sure to rest well, avoid staying up late, and refrain from overexertion. For external use, it is best to apply some acyclovir to prevent infection.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

27sec

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Does shingles recur?

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

38sec

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How many days can herpes zoster be cured?

Herpes zoster is a viral infectious skin disease that is most prone to epidemic in the spring, primarily caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It generally lies dormant in the body causing a belt-like cluster of herpes zoster to appear along the dermatome, accompanied by neuralgia. The course of herpes zoster generally lasts three to four weeks, and it usually does not recur after recovery. The main principles of treatment are antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, to shorten the duration of the disease, and to prevent secondary infections.