Shingles Vaccine: Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by reactivation of the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It causes a painful, blistering rash that follows the path of a single nerve, almost always on one side of the body. It's a condition dermatologists diagnose and manage regularly, which is exactly why we think vaccination against it is worth talking about.

Beyond the rash itself, shingles carries a real risk of postherpetic neuralgia, a lingering nerve pain that can persist for months or longer after the rash has healed. This complication becomes more common with age and can significantly affect quality of life.

Many of the conditions we treat, including psoriasis, moderate to severe eczema, and hidradenitis suppurativa, are managed with biologics or other immune-modulating medications. These treatments, while effective, can increase the risk of shingles by dampening the immune system's ability to keep the dormant virus in check.

If you're on or considering one of these therapies, it's worth discussing shingles vaccination timing with both your dermatologist and primary care provider as part of your overall treatment plan.