Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Care in Seoul, Korea — VEI Clinic Apgujeong (English-Friendly)

Quick intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong offers English-friendly evaluation and treatment for shingles (herpes zoster)—a painful, blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. We’re on the 3rd floor of Beneheim City (162 Apgujeong-ro), a short walk from Apgujeong Station Exit 5.

What shingles is

Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus (which remains dormant in nerves) reactivates later in life. It usually presents as a painful, tingling rash on one side of the body or face.

Common features:

  • Pain, tingling, or burning before rash appears
  • Clusters of fluid-filled blisters following a nerve distribution (dermatome)
  • Sensitivity to touch; sometimes fever, headache, or fatigue
  • Involvement of eye, ear, or face may require urgent referral

Why prompt care matters

  • Antiviral medication (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir) works best when started within 72 hours of rash onset.
  • Early treatment may reduce rash severity and lower the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (lingering nerve pain).
  • Pain control and wound care reduce discomfort and prevent secondary infection.

What we offer at VEI Clinic

  • Rapid evaluation and diagnosis of suspected shingles
  • Prescription of antivirals if indicated (timing, dosing tailored to you)
  • Pain management plan: non-opioid analgesics, topical options, nerve-pain medications if needed
  • Skin care guidance: dressing, hygiene, cooling measures to protect blisters
  • Referral to ophthalmology/ENT if eye or ear involvement
  • Vaccination counseling (Shingrix) to reduce future risk—administered or referred as appropriate
We also review medications, immune status, and exposure risks for household contacts.

Who should seek urgent or hospital care

  • Rash near the eye (risk to vision)
  • Severe pain, widespread rash, or immunosuppression
  • High fever with confusion or signs of meningitis/encephalitis
  • Severe dehydration or inability to keep medications down

How to prepare (simple checklist)

  • Note when symptoms began (pain and rash onset)
  • Bring a medication/allergy list, especially if immunosuppressed or on steroids
  • Avoid scratching blisters; keep rash covered/clean
  • Wear loose clothing for exam access

Visit flow (what to expect)

  1. Brief consult → history, exam, confirm diagnosis
  2. Treatment plan → start antivirals if within window; pain control
  3. Skin-care instructions → English handout for home care
  4. Follow-up → wound check and pain assessment in 3–7 days (case-by-case)

Pricing & insurance notes

  • Fees vary by consultation, labs (if needed), and prescriptions
  • Most visitors pay upfront; many insurers reimburse with documentation
  • Ask for an itemized English receipt (diagnosis/procedure codes)

Safety note (not an emergency service)

If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, confusion, stroke symptoms, or very high fever with dehydration, call 119 or go to an ER. Eye or ear shingles also warrant urgent specialist referral.

Hours & location

  • Mon/Thu/Fri: 10:00–19:00
  • Tue: 10:00–20:00
  • Sat: 10:00–16:00
  • Lunch: 13:00–14:00 (except Sat)
  • Closed: Wed & Sun
  • Address: 3F, VEI Clinic, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Beneheim City, near Apgujeong Station Exit 5)
  • Phone: 02-542-8275 / 010-5700-7597

What to bring

  • Passport/ID, Korean phone number (if any)
  • Medication & supplement list, prior vaccine history
  • Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll file a claim

Why choose VEI Clinic Apgujeong

  • English-friendly internal-medicine team with experience managing shingles in expats and travelers
  • Timely antivirals and pain control to reduce complications
  • Clear aftercare instructions and insurance-ready English receipts
  • Vaccination guidance to prevent recurrence

Book now (quick script)

“Hello, I’d like to book an appointment for possible shingles. The rash started [X] days ago. Could you share today/tomorrow availability, antiviral options, and a quote? I’ll need an English receipt. Thank you!”