Shingles Treatment In Westmont, IL

According to the CDC, shingles often starts with pain, itching or tingling in one area several days before any rash. Then:

• A painful, itchy rash appears, usually as a single stripe on the left or right side of the body or face
• Blisters form and scab over in 7 to 10 days
• The rash usually clears in 2 to 4 weeks
• Some people also have fever, headache, chills or an upset stomach

Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. Risk rises with age and with a weakened immune system. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia, nerve pain that can last months or years after the rash heals.

Shingles is usually diagnosed by its look and pattern. Your provider examines the rash, asks when the pain and rash started, and reviews your health history and medicines.

When appropriate, treatment can include antiviral medicine to help shorten the illness and lower the risk of complications. MedlinePlus notes antivirals work best when started within three days of the rash appearing. Your provider will also talk with you about pain relief and skin care, such as cool compresses and keeping blisters clean and covered.

Once you recover, ask about the shingles vaccine. The CDC recommends two doses for adults 50 and older, and for adults 19 and older with a weakened immune system. See our immunizations page for vaccine services.

You cannot catch shingles from someone with shingles. But fluid from the blisters can spread the virus to a person who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, and that person may get chickenpox. Until the blisters scab over, keep the rash covered, wash your hands often, and avoid pregnant people who have not had chickenpox, premature or low-birth-weight babies, and people with weak immune systems.

Go to the nearest emergency room for a shingles rash with eye pain or vision changes, severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion, or weakness in the face.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain or pressure, severe trouble breathing, sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, sudden trouble speaking or seeing, fainting or severe confusion, a seizure, or heavy bleeding.

• Skin rash evaluation
• Cold sore treatment
• Primary care
• Telehealth

Patients come to us for shingles care from nearby towns, including:

• Clarendon Hills, IL: about 1 mile east of our Cass Ave clinic
• Downers Grove, IL: about 1.8 miles west of our Cass Ave clinic
• Oak Brook, IL: about 2.9 miles northeast of our Cass Ave clinic
• Darien, IL: about 3.1 miles south of our Cass Ave clinic
• Burr Ridge, IL: about 4.4 miles southeast of our Cass Ave clinic

Distances are straight-line miles. Neighbors in our home town can read more on our Westmont, IL urgent care page.

Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Meridian and CountyCare. Plans change, so call (630) 324-6825 to confirm your coverage. See the full list on our cost and insurance page.

Paying on your own? Our self-pay urgent care pricing is flat and upfront, with a general visit from $125. Lab tests may add to the cost; we will tell you before anything is ordered.

Both of our locations are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. The main clinic is at 29 N Cass Ave, Ste A, Westmont, IL 60559. Our second location, inside Jewel-Osco, is at 4 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL 60559. No appointment is needed. You can also check in online.

How soon should I be seen?

As soon as you can after the rash appears. Antivirals work best when started early, ideally within three days.

How long does shingles last?

The blisters usually scab in 7 to 10 days, and the rash clears in 2 to 4 weeks. Nerve pain can last longer for some people.

Can I get shingles more than once?

Yes, it can come back. Vaccination lowers the chance of getting shingles.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Walk in, or check in online for shingles care.