Contact your doctor promptly if you suspect shingles, but especially in the following situations:
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The pain and rash occur near an eye. If left untreated, this infection can lead to permanent eye damage.
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You're 60 or older, because age significantly increases your risk of complications.
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You or someone in your family has a weakened immune system (due to cancer, medications or chronic illness).
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The rash is widespread and painful.
Complications from shingles are possible and can include:
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Postherpetic neuralgia. For some people, shingles pain continues long after the blisters have cleared. This condition is known as postherpetic neuralgia, and it occurs when damaged nerve fibers send confused and exaggerated messages of pain from your skin to your brain.
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Vision loss. Shingles in or around an eye (ophthalmic shingles) can cause painful eye infections that may result in vision loss.
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Neurological problems. Depending on which nerves are affected, shingles can cause an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, or hearing or balance problems.
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Skin infections. If shingles blisters aren't properly treated, bacterial skin infections may develop.