Shingles can be more than a painful rash—it can be a life-altering condition if not treated promptly and properly. For residents of Aiken and Hilton Head Island, Novo Wellness Center provides a compassionate, modern approach to managing shingles symptoms and reducing post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), the lingering nerve pain that affects nearly 1 in 5 shingles patients.
Whether you're in the early stages of a shingles outbreak or still dealing with the after-effects, our team at Novo Wellness offers treatment plans that prioritize fast relief, nerve recovery, and long-term wellness.
“Shingles pain doesn’t end when the rash disappears. For many, the lingering nerve pain becomes the real challenge,” says Dr. Eric Novitch, founder of Novo Wellness.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After lying dormant in your nervous system for years, the virus can become active again, especially in adults over 50 or those with weakened immune systems.
The condition typically presents as:
A painful rash, often on one side of the body
Tingling or burning sensation before the rash
Clusters of fluid-filled blisters
Fever, fatigue, or headache
In South Carolina, the combination of heat, humidity, and seasonal allergens can exacerbate discomfort during a shingles outbreak, making symptom relief even more essential.
One of the most difficult aspects of shingles is PHN—persistent nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the initial outbreak.
A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that approximately 18% of shingles patients over age 60 experience PHN for six months or longer.¹ This burning or stabbing nerve pain can significantly affect sleep, mobility, and quality of life.
“Many patients tell us it feels like their skin is raw or hypersensitive, even when touched by clothing,” notes Dr. Novitch. “That’s classic PHN—and it requires more than just a pain pill.”
At Novo Wellness, we combine conventional medical care with innovative, regenerative solutions to manage shingles and prevent long-term complications. Treatment often includes:
Starting antivirals like valacyclovir early—ideally within 72 hours of symptom onset—can shorten the duration of a shingles outbreak and reduce the severity of PHN.
We offer a range of non-opioid pain control methods tailored to the individual:
Topical lidocaine or capsaicin creams
Nerve blocks or targeted injections
Low-dose anti-convulsants (gabapentin or pregabalin)
Infrared therapy for deep tissue comfort
Using extracellular vesicle therapy and other cellular regenerative treatments, our clinics in Aiken and Hilton Head promote tissue healing and nerve repair. This advanced therapy may reduce inflammation and accelerate nerve regeneration, particularly in persistent PHN cases.
Chronic pain often affects diet, sleep, and mood. We take a whole-person approach, recommending lifestyle changes and supplements (like B12 or L-lysine) that may support nerve health and immunity.
“We’re not just masking symptoms. Our goal is to repair, restore, and help patients truly recover from the inside out,” says Dr. Novitch.
While shingles can happen to anyone who’s had chickenpox, certain factors increase your risk:
Age 50+
High stress levels
Immune suppression (illness, medications)
Prior trauma or surgery in the area where the rash appears
South Carolina’s active retirement communities, including many in Hilton Head and Aiken, have a large population in the higher-risk group. That’s why awareness and early intervention are so important.
Yes. The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is over 90% effective in preventing outbreaks and PHN.² It’s recommended for adults 50 and older, and at-risk individuals as young as 19.
At Novo Wellness, we’re strong advocates for prevention and can help guide patients through vaccination and immune support planning.
“We see far too many patients who wish they’d known about the vaccine sooner,” says Dr. Novitch. “Preventing shingles is always easier than treating it.”
If you develop a sudden burning or tingling on one side of the body—especially with a rash—seek medical attention right away. Quick treatment can make a huge difference in pain duration and long-term outcomes.
And if you're experiencing lingering pain from a past shingles outbreak, you're not alone. Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating post-herpetic neuralgia, with both compassion and cutting-edge care.
Don’t suffer in silence. If you’re in the Aiken or Hilton Head area and dealing with shingles or persistent nerve pain, Novo Wellness is here to help. Reach out today to schedule your consultation.
Aiken, SC: Call 803-642-6500 or visit us at 5110 Woodside Executive Ct.
Hilton Head Island, SC: Call 843-836-5800 or stop by 15 Moss Creek Village, Suite 105.
