Herpes zoster is a viral skin disease characterized by erythematous blisters with neuralgia along the peripheral nerves caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. The incidence of herpes zoster is age-related, with an incidence of 5 per 1,000 at ages >50 years; 6-7 per 1,000 at ages 60-70 years; and 10 per 1,000 at ages >80 years. Herpes zoster can have prodromal symptoms: general discomfort, local pain, etc., and usually appears as erythema and papules after a few days, followed by the development of clusters of blisters. The lesions often occur on one side of the body and are arranged along a certain peripheral nerve distribution area, usually not exceeding the midline of the body surface. The duration of herpes zoster is about 2-3 weeks, longer in older adults. Neuralgia in the elderly often precedes the rash, is more neuroinflammatory, and is varied in nature, often accompanied by radiating pain; burning pain in the area of the lesion, sensory abnormalities and limited pain, often misdiagnosed as myocardial infarction, gallbladder bile duct colic, renal colic, etc. Some older patients may have intractable neuralgia that lasts for months or longer after the lesions have disappeared. Posterior neuralgia is the most common complication of herpes zoster. Herpes zoster attacks may also increase the risk of stroke. Therefore, the main goal of herpes zoster treatment is to shorten the course of the disease and prevent the development of sequelae. The success of treatment depends on the duration of regular treatment and on the adequate dosage of antiviral therapy. Systemic antiviral therapy is best started within 48h to 72h of the onset of skin symptoms to prevent nerve damage and relieve pain by inhibiting viral replication, and possibly reduce the occurrence of post-onset neuropathic pain. Patients who receive antiviral therapy during a herpes zoster attack may have a reduced incidence of stroke. Therefore, early treatment of patients with herpes zoster, especially in older patients, is very important.