diff --git a/src/hack.c b/src/hack.c
index 76bc26790..3a449ab3d 100644
--- a/src/hack.c
+++ b/src/hack.c
@@ -3971,7 +3971,7 @@ saving_grace(int dmg)
 void
 showdamage(int dmg)
 {
-    if (!iflags.showdamage)
+    if (!iflags.showdamage || !dmg)
         return;
 
     pline("[HP %i, %i left]", -dmg, Upolyd ? u.mh : u.uhp);