HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Shingles
When To Call a Doctor
If you think you have shingles, see a doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medicines may help reduce pain and prevent complications of shingles, such as disseminated zoster or postherpetic neuralgia.
If you still feel intense pain for more than 1 month after the skin heals, see your doctor to find out whether you have postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Getting your pain under control right away may prevent nerve damage that may cause pain that lasts for months or years.
Who to see
- Reference Family medicine physician Opens New Window
- Reference Internist Opens New Window
- Reference Dermatologist Opens New Window
- Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window
- Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window
- Reference Neurologist Opens New Window, for Reference central nervous system Opens New Window complications of shingles
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.
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