Snake sores and shingles are one disease, and snake sores are one of the common names for shingles. Herpes zoster is a neuritis, an inflammation of the skin, caused by the activation of the varicella-zoster virus when the body’s immune function is reduced. The main symptom is an erythematous plaque along the area of nerve distribution covered with clustered blisters, with abnormal sensations such as pain and numbness. The treatment of herpes zoster is based on oral or injectable antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and penciclovir, followed by oral nutritive nerve drugs such as methylcobalamin and vitamin B1, and analgesics such as ibuprofen and pregabalin. In addition, the symptoms can also be relieved with the help of light therapy such as irradiation of infrared rays. Patients with herpes zoster are advised to go to the hospital in time to receive standardized diagnosis and treatment. All medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, to avoid self-medication, resulting in adverse consequences.