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Shingles

Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, and it can be very painful. The shingles vaccine can help reduce the risk of shingles and its long-term complications.

Ask a Primary Care Doctor: “How Do I Know if My Painful Rash Is Shingles?”
Ask a Primary Care Doctor: “How Do I Know if My Painful Rash Is Shingles?”0:50
3 Signs Your Rash Is Actually Shingles
3 Signs Your Rash Is Actually Shingles1:15
Ask a Primary Care Doctor: “I’m Having Pain After Shingles — Is It Related?”
Ask a Primary Care Doctor: “I’m Having Pain After Shingles — Is It Related?”1:12
Is Shingles Serious? Why This Infection Is More Than a Rash
Is Shingles Serious? Why This Infection Is More Than a Rash2:03

Ask a Primary Care Doctor: “How Do I Know if My Painful Rash Is Shingles?”

Shingles is one of many conditions that can cause pain and/or rashes.

Sarah Gupta, MD profile image

Reviewed by Sarah Gupta, MD

Updated on June 3, 2025

Treating shingles early can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of shingles complications. That’s why recognizing the symptoms of shingles is so helpful.

In this video, learn what to do if you think you have shingles and how to relieve the pain, according to Peter DeMarco, MD, Primary Care Doctor at Columbia Doctors Midtown in New York City.

3 signs your rash is actually shingles

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Shingles symptoms and complications.

Gruver, C., et al. (2023). Postherpetic neuralgia. StatPearls.

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