if you have shingles it's important to talk to your doctor about your risk for developing phn (postherpetic neuralgia). ask whether preventative treatment with antiviral drugs makes sense. if your doctor says it's not necessary ask why. the full implications of the psychological risk factors for phn aren't clear yet says robert h. dworkin phd a professor in the department of anesthesiology at the university of rochester medical center in rochester n. y. but he suggests that people with shingles should try to stay active and connected. "if psychological distress is a risk factor for phn " he says "then we think that people who have shingles might benefit from getting out and not being isolated and homebound. " you might make an effort to stay connected to family and friends and not to dwell on your symptoms. also keep in mind that even if you do develop phn there are treatments that can help. "we have about a half dozen types of drugs that are used as first-line treatments for phn " says dworkin. they include lidoderm lyrica neurontin tegretol zostrix cream tricyclic antidepressants and painkillers. "there are many options now and some of them have only become available in the last few years " he says. the most important thing is to get prompt medical attention if you think you might have shingles. "if you have a one-sided rash -- especially if you're over 50 -- see your doctor right away " says dworkin. "it could be shingles. and we know that prompt treatment can dramatically reduce the likelihood of developing long-term pain. "
what should i do if i have or think i might have shingles?