Disease Introduction
Shingles is a skin disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in nerve ganglia. It manifests as clusters of blisters along the nerve on one side of the body and severe burning pain. It is more common in people over 50 years of age and those with weakened immune systems. Long-term neuralgia may remain even after the rash subsides.
Cutting-edge high-precision diagnostic and treatment technologies
- Extended age range for vaccination : The recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix, CHO cells) was approved by the National Medical Products Administration in October 2025 to be extended to people aged 18 and above with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression, becoming the first recombinant zoster vaccine to cover this population; for the general population, it is still recommended to receive 2 doses for those ≥50 years of age.
- 72-hour antiviral therapy : Initiating systemic antiviral therapy such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir, or brivudine within 72 hours of rash onset (the earlier the better) can accelerate rash healing, block viral spread within ganglia, significantly reduce viral load and acute pain, and improve acute prognosis.
- Minimally invasive analgesia intervention : The 2025 edition of the "Guidelines for the Management of Herpes Zoster-Related Pain in China" recommends early epidural or paravertebral nerve block during the acute phase, and spinal cord stimulation within 4-8 weeks of onset, which can effectively control pain and prevent postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
- Comprehensive management of neuralgia : Pregabalin, gabapentin, and cligabalin are first-line drugs for herpes zoster-related neuralgia (evidence level A). They can be combined with pulsed radiofrequency, nerve block, electroacupuncture, and other methods for individualized analgesia. If necessary, a low dose of tricyclic antidepressants can be added.
