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Shingles

3 Signs Your Rash Is Actually Shingles

Early diagnosis and treatment may improve outcomes and help you have a milder case.

Lauren Smith, MAKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Updated on July 2, 2025
Featuring Peter DeMarco, MDReviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP | July 2, 2025

Early detection of shingles can lead to better treatment outcomes. The CDC states that the best time to start antiviral treatments for shingles is “as soon as possible after the rash appears.” 

One challenge is that many conditions can cause rashes, and some rashes are not a big deal. In this video, learn how to recognize a shingles rash, according to Peter DeMarco, MD, Family Medicine Physician at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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