Shingles: Why Early Diagnosis and Treatment Matter

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. While many people think of shingles as “obvious,” the truth is that it can be surprisingly difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

Why Shingles Can Be Tricky to Identify

At the beginning, shingles does not always present with the classic blistering rash. Instead, patients may experience vague symptoms such as:

• Tingling or burning in a patch of skin
• Localized pain or sensitivity to touch
• A feeling of discomfort that doesn’t match how the skin looks

Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions—such as allergic reactions, insect bites, or even simple back or chest pain—shingles can easily be mistaken for something else. By the time the rash fully develops, patients may have already lost precious treatment time.

Why Immediate Evaluation Matters for Shingles Treatment

Shingles is not just uncomfortable—it can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The most common long-term complication is post-herpetic neuralgia, a condition where nerve pain continues long after the rash has healed. Early treatment with antiviral medication can dramatically reduce both the severity of shingles and the risk of complications.

That’s why it’s so important not to “wait and see.” If you even suspect that what you’re experiencing could be shingles, getting checked by a skin expert right away is essential.

Trust a Skin Expert for Fast Answers

At Apollo Dermatology, Dr. Arjun Dupati—a board-certified dermatologist and board-certified Mohs surgeon—personally evaluates every patient. With his specialized training in diagnosing skin conditions, including difficult or unusual presentations, Dr. Dupati can quickly determine whether shingles is the cause of your symptoms and begin treatment immediately.

Don’t Delay: Come See Us Right Away

If you notice:

• Unexplained pain, tingling, or burning in one area of your body
• A rash developing on just one side
• Pain that feels out of proportion to what you see on your skin

…it’s time to be evaluated. The sooner you start treatment, the better your outcome will be.

At Apollo Dermatology, our mission is to provide timely, expert care for all of your skin health needs. If you think you might have shingles, don’t wait—call us right away for an immediate appointment with Dr. Dupati.

Schedule your appointment today with a trusted board-certified dermatologist. Your skin deserves nothing less.

📞 248-436-4888
📍 Apollo Dermatology | Rochester HIlls, Michigan

By Dr. Arjun Dupati, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon