Is there any benefit to visiting a doctor after more than 72 hours has passed since the outbreak of shingles?

Yes: Although the best time to begin anti-viral treatment is in the first 72 hours, most of us will prescribe the meds into the third day. But as important, you will be helped by pain medication and medication specifically to help with the nerve pain.

See physician ASAP: Antivirals, like valtrex, (valacyclovir) need to be started within 72 hrs of shingle symptoms. They can decrease the severity and duration of the rash. If pain persists after the rash is gone - postherpetic neuralgia (phn) - it needs to be treated aggressively so it does not last forever. The older you are when you have shingles, the more likely you are to have phn. See a board certified pain specialist for help.