When should antiviral treatment be initiated for Herpes Zoster?

Antiviral treatment for Herpes Zoster, or shingles, is most effective when initiated within 72 hours of the onset of the rash. Starting antiviral therapy within this timeframe has been shown to significantly reduce pain and hasten healing, as well as to decrease the risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, which can be debilitating.

While initiating treatment within 24 hours can be optimal and is strongly encouraged, the 72-hour window is widely recognized in clinical guidelines as the latest timeframe for commencing antiviral therapy to achieve beneficial outcomes. Generally, delaying treatment beyond this period may result in less favorable results regarding pain management and healing.

Post 72 hours, the efficacy of antiviral medications diminishes, leading to reduced benefits, and treatment is typically not initiated solely for the purpose of preventing complications unless they arise. Therefore, initiating treatment within 72 hours is critical in managing the infection effectively.