When should I call my doctor if I have shingles?

Shingles is a virus caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (the varicella-zoster virus). If you've had chickenpox, the virus can stay in your body in an inactive form until years later, when it becomes active again, causing shingles. People with weak immune systems and older adults have a higher risk of getting shingles. Symptoms include itching or burning on one side of your face or body at first, followed by a painful rash made up of blisters (about 1 to 14 days after the initial pain starts). The pain can last for long periods, days, weeks or even years. There is no cure for shingles, so treatment is aimed at managing pain and related problems. If the rash affects your face, it can put your eyesight or hearing at risk. If you've had chickenpox and are age 50 or over, you should talk to your doctor about possible preventive steps, such as the shingles vaccine. If you have any signs of shingles, such as pain or itching on one side, or a rash, you should also call your doctor. Even if you've already seen your doctor for shingles, you should get medical care right away if the rash starts to spread to your face.