What is Cold Sores & Shingles?

Cold sores(herpes labialis) are caused by herpes simplex virus. They start with tingling or burning, then form small clusters of fluid-filled blisters, usually on or around the lips, which crust and heal in about one to two weeks. Stress, fatigue, sun exposure, illness and some cosmetic procedures can trigger outbreaks.

Shingles(herpes zoster) is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It typically begins with pain, burning or tingling on one side of the body, followed by a band-shaped rash of blisters along a nerve. Shingles is more common with age or weakened immunity and can lead to lasting nerve pain, called postherpetic neuralgia.

Who it's for

Please book a visit if you notice:

• Tingling followed by small blisters on or around the lips
• Recurrent cold sores that affect daily life or cosmetic plans
• A painful, burning rash with blisters on one side of the body
• Skin pain or tingling in a band-like area before a rash appears
• Shingles on the forehead, near the eye or on the tip of the nose, or any eye pain or vision change, which needs urgent care the same day

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

A dermatologist examines the rash to confirm the diagnosis, as other conditions such as impetigo, contact dermatitis or insect bites can look similar. In unclear cases, testing may be performed.

For both conditions, oral antiviral medication is the main treatment and tends to be most effective when started early, ideally within about 72 hours of the rash appearing. Topical care helps keep blisters clean and reduces the risk of bacterial infection. For shingles, we also address pain with appropriate medication and may refer you to an ophthalmologist or pain specialist if needed. For people with frequent cold sores, preventive antiviral medication may be discussed, especially before laser or other facial procedures. The shingles vaccine can also be discussed for eligible adults.

What to expect

Your visit includes an examination, a discussion of your symptoms and medical history, and a prescription if appropriate. Cold sores usually heal within one to two weeks, while shingles blisters crust over in about seven to ten days and the skin may take two to four weeks to heal. Pain from shingles can continue after the rash clears in some people. Antivirals may cause mild side effects such as headache or nausea. A follow-up may be scheduled to check healing and pain.

Aftercare

• Take antiviral medication exactly as prescribed and finish the course
• Keep blisters clean and dry and avoid touching or picking them
• Wash hands often, especially after applying creams
• Avoid kissing and sharing cups or lip products during a cold sore outbreak
• Keep shingles blisters covered and avoid contact with pregnant women, newborns and people with weak immunity
• Rest, and use lip sunscreen to help reduce cold sore triggers

Frequently asked questions

Are cold sores and shingles contagious?

Cold sores spread through close contact. Shingles itself does not spread as shingles, but fluid from blisters can cause chickenpox in someone who has not had it or been vaccinated.

Can I get a laser treatment if I get cold sores?

Yes, but please tell us. Your physician may recommend preventive antiviral medication before facial laser or other procedures.

When should shingles be treated urgently?

Seek care right away if the rash is near the eye, forehead or nose, if you have vision changes, or if the rash is widespread or you are immunocompromised.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is located at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors), directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 on Line 3. We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. To book a consultation, call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.