What Increases Your Risk

Things that increase risk for developing shingles include:

• Having had chickenpox. You must have had chickenpox to get shingles.
• Being older than 50.
• Having a weakened immune system due to another disease, such as diabetes or HIV infection.
• Experiencing stress or trauma.
• Having cancer or receiving treatment for cancer.
• Taking medicines that reduce the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), such as infliximab and etanercept.

If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox, her baby has a high risk of developing shingles during his or her first 2 years of life. And if a baby gets chickenpox in the first year of life, he or she has a higher risk of developing shingles during childhood.¹

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of shingles that lasts for at least 30 days and may continue for months or years. You can reduce your risk for getting shingles and developing PHN by getting the shingles vaccine.

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

• Family medicine physician
• Internist
• Dermatologist
• Physician assistant
• Nurse practitioner
• Neurologist, for central nervous system complications of shingles

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.