Shingles Treatment Singapore: Same-Day Appointment (2025)

Shingles Treatment Singapore

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: Jan 2, 2025.

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful and distressing condition that can be managed with a range of treatments aimed at reducing symptoms and speeding up recovery. Key treatment mainly include antiviral medications to limit the virus's activity, pain relievers for managing discomfort, and topical remedies to soothe the rash and blisters. These interventions are most effective when started in the early stages of the infection.

Shingles blisters developing on a man’s arm due to delayed treatment, causing severe symptoms.

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After an individual recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive, or dormant, within the body's nerve tissues. However, later in life, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles, especially when a person’s immune system is compromised or weakened. Key risk factors include:

Shingles in Singapore

Here are some key statistics about shingles:

9 in 10 adults above 50 are at risk of developing shingles in Singapore.

Shingles Symptom Singapore

Shingles typically progresses over several stages, each marked by unique symptoms and varying duration. Generally, the active stage of shingles lasts between three and five weeks, although this can vary by individual.

1. Initial Symptoms (Prodromal Phase)

The first signs of shingles often include non-specific symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. Many people also experience pain, tingling, itching, or a sharp, burning sensation in a specific area, such as the lower back, where nerves are particularly sensitive.

2. Rash and Blisters (Rash Phase)

Within a few days after the initial symptoms, a red rash may develop, typically on one side of the body, often around the torso, face, or neck. This rash quickly forms fluid-filled blisters that are painful and sensitive to touch. This phase can last anywhere from one to 14 days.

Man experiencing shingles with a red rash and blisters on one side of his back that are painful and sensitive to touch.

3. Healing and Scabbing (Healing Phase)

As the blisters burst, they scab over and gradually begin to heal, often accompanied by intense itching. This phase generally lasts another one to two weeks, though mild discomfort may persist even after the rash has cleared.

Shingles Complications

In severe cases, shingles can lead to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic nerve pain condition that may persist for months or even years after visible symptoms have healed. Another serious complication is herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), which occurs when a shingles rash develops on the face around the eyes and can lead to vision loss if untreated.

Shingles Treatment

Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly reduce pain, discomfort, and the risk of complications. Primary treatment options include:

  • Antiviral Medications: Antiviral drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can reduce the duration and severity of shingles, especially when started within 72 hours of rash onset.
  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage mild to moderate pain. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe more appropriate medications.
  • Topical Treatments: Calamine lotion or cool compresses can help relieve itching and dry out blisters, reducing the risk of infection.
  • Hydration and Rest: Staying well-hydrated and getting adequate rest are essential to support the immune system and promote faster recovery.

For postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), or lingering pain after shingles, nerve pain medications may be recommended as additional treatment. However, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the condition and to reduce its severity, duration, and the risk of complications like PHN, particularly for adults over 50.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a doctor for diagnosis and treatment specific to your individual health needs.

Singaporean man above 50 trying to get adequate rest at home to complement the antiviral treatment prescribed by his doctor for shingles.

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect you have shingles or if you experience any of the following, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Severe pain
  • Rash near the eyes, which can affect vision if untreated
  • Widespread rash beyond the typical one-sided pattern
  • Persistent or worsening symptoms

Cost of Shingles Treatment

At ATA Medical, we provide treatment and vaccination options for shingles with the following prices:

Treatment Price*
Consultation From $38.15
Aciclovir (400 mg)
Typical dosage: 800 mg taken 5 times daily for a duration of 7 days
$0.76 per tab
Acyclovir 5% Cream (5 mg) $10.90
Shingles (Shingrix®) Vaccine $375 per dose
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

Where to Get Shingles Treatment in Singapore

ATA Medical is conveniently located at:

How Do I Book a Shingles Treatment Appointment?

ATA Medical @ Orchard

Address: 1 Orchard Blvd, #05-09 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard Station (TE13)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: camden@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

ATA Medical @ Tanjong Pagar

Address: 72 Anson Rd, #01-02 Anson House, Singapore 079911
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: hi@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

Navigate to Us

ATA Medical (Anson House)

Nearest MRT: EW15 Tanjong Pagar

ATA Medical (Camden Medical Centre)

Nearest MRT: TE13 Orchard Boulevard

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Shingles has no cure, but early treatment with antivirals such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir can reduce symptoms and complications, especially if started within 72 hours of onset. Over-the-counter medications and topical treatments can also provide pain relief and help manage itching. Consult a doctor promptly if you are experiencing symptoms or suspect you have shingles.
Starting antiviral therapy within 72 hours of rash onset is the most effective way to speed up recovery and lessen symptom severity. Other measures include adequate rest, maintaining good hydration, and using pain relief methods as advised by a doctor.
While over-the-counter pain relievers and topical treatments can help alleviate symptoms, it’s essential to consult a doctor for antiviral medications to effectively limit the virus's impact and prevent complications. Self-treatment without medical guidance is not recommended.
Yes, general practitioners (GPs) are qualified to diagnose and manage shingles. They can prescribe antiviral medications, recommend pain management strategies, and monitor for complications. At ATA Medical, we are available for same-day appointments and can provide treatment for shingles.
Shingles may resolve on its own over several weeks. However, without antiviral treatment, there is a higher risk of severe pain, prolonged symptoms, and complications like postherpetic neuralgia. Seeking medical attention is highly advisable for proper management.
It is recommended to wait until all shingles blisters have fully crusted over and healed before receiving a massage. This reduces the risk of spreading the virus and prevents irritation of sensitive skin. Consulting a doctor before resuming such activities is advisable.
While no specific foods are proven to worsen shingles, maintaining a balanced diet that supports the immune system is beneficial.
Travelling with shingles is generally not recommended, especially if the rash is in the blistering phase, as the virus can be contagious to those who haven't had chickenpox or the vaccine. Additionally, travel-related stress may exacerbate symptoms. It’s best to consult a doctor before making travel plans.
Yes, eggs are a good source of protein and can be included in your diet when you have shingles. Maintaining a balanced diet supports the immune system during recovery.
There is no definitive list of foods to avoid with shingles. However, focusing on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support the immune system is beneficial.
Shingles is triggered by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the body after a person has had chickenpox earlier in life. Factors that may trigger reactivation include ageing, a weakened immune system, stress, and certain medical treatments or conditions that compromise immune function.
The initial days, particularly when the rash and blisters are developing, are often the most painful and uncomfortable. Pain and discomfort typically peak within the first week and gradually improve as the rash heals. Seeking treatment early is highly important, as it can help reduce symptom severity and shorten recovery time, preventing complications like chronic nerve pain.
Currently, the shingles vaccine is not included in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) in Singapore. Therefore, it is not subsidised and MediSave cannot be used for this vaccine. Individuals aged 50 and above who wish to receive the vaccine should consult their preferred clinic for more information.
At ATA Medical, we offer the shingles (Shingrix®) vaccine at $375 NETT per dose. Same-day appointments are available, and bookings can be made via WhatsApp with our friendly staff.
The shingles vaccine is currently not included in Singapore’s National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), so it is not subsidised and MediSave cannot be used for this vaccine. Individuals aged 50 and above who are interested in the vaccine should consult their doctor for more information.
Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir inhibit the virus’s activity, reducing symptoms and duration, though they don’t eliminate the virus entirely.
Shingles isn’t directly contagious, but the varicella-zoster virus can cause chickenpox in infants if they come into direct contact with open blisters. Once the blisters on an infected person scab over, the risk of transmission decreases.
Shingles can cause intense pain in areas with dense clusters of nerve endings, such as the face, eyes, and torso. Shingles around the eyes (ophthalmic shingles) can be particularly severe and may lead to complications affecting vision.
Starting antiviral medication within 72 hours helps reduce the duration and severity of a shingles outbreak by limiting the virus’s replication early. Rest, hydration, pain relief, and topical treatments also support recovery and help manage symptoms effectively.