See your doctor at the first sign of shingles. Getting treated early can help it go away faster and may help you avoid related problems. For instance, shingles on the face can cause hearing or sight problems, including blindness.
If you have a weak immune system and can't get the vaccine, early treatment is your best defense against shingles.
Sometimes, what seems to be shingles is really herpes simplex. Though it usually appears as cold sores around the mouth or genitals, this form of herpes can show up elsewhere. Your doctor will use a different treatment to clear it up. Your doctor can do tests, such as a viral culture, to confirm whether you have shingles and to get you the right treatment.