HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Shingles
Exams and Tests
Doctors can usually identify
shingles when they see an Reference area of
rash Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window around the left or right side of your body. If a
diagnosis of shingles is not clear, your doctor may order lab tests, most
commonly
Reference herpes tests, on cells taken from a blister.
If there is reason to think that shingles is present, your doctor may not wait to do tests before treating you with antiviral medicines. Early treatment may help shorten the length of the illness and prevent complications such as Reference postherpetic neuralgia Opens New Window.
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