Herpes zoster is also known as shingles. Whether a herpes zoster blister can be punctured depends on whether the blister is an early papule or a very small blister on top of a freshly raised erythema, or a large blister or pustule in the middle or late stages. If the blister is a small papule or a small blister, it does not need to be punctured, but when the blister becomes slightly larger or becomes cloudy and white or pus, it needs to be punctured or the wall of the blister needs to be cut. Generally, after disinfection with iodine, the herpes wall is cut with tissue scissors or punctured with a sterile needle.