Shingles on the face is particularly dangerous: Dermatologist reveals what to do

"It's risky in the face, so you should definitely take antiviral therapy internally for a week to prevent complications from occurring in the other cranial nerves. Because facial erysipelas essentially starts in the brainstem. And there are many other cranial nerves there, and it can spread," the doctor said.

To avoid this risk, the dermatologist advises seeing a doctor immediately if you have shingles on your face. "So, treat promptly within the first three days of the blisters breaking out. Pain therapy is essential so that the body doesn't develop a pain memory for shingles. And sometimes, doctors even prescribe cortisone over time to help the inflammation around the nerve subside."

Adler recommends getting a vaccination starting at age 60. This does what "the immune system can no longer do on its own after a certain age: keep the virus in check." Essentially, every person who has had chickenpox in their lifetime carries the shingles virus in their body. The likelihood of contracting the disease increases with age.

As preventive protection, Adler recommends taking vitamin D as a dietary supplement in addition to vaccination, as well as zinc and B vitamins.