The direct cause of shingles in the elderly is infection with the varicella-zoster virus, which can be triggered when the immune system is weak. Herpes zoster is a skin disease caused by the varicella zoster virus, which affects the nerves and the skin. The main cause of shingles is childhood chickenpox infection, in which the virus lurks in the nerve ganglia and is activated when the immune system is low, thus triggering shingles. Due to individual differences, the most effective medication for shingles does not exist. Generally, it is necessary to choose antiviral medication such as acyclovir and valacyclovir, and topical antiviral medication, such as acyclovir cream, can be used in conjunction with oral medication. The elderly need to go to the hospital in time to carry out relevant examinations, for the cause of the treatment, the specific use of drugs need to follow the doctor’s instructions.