HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Remedies For Severe Itching While Recovering From Shingles Infection On The Scalp

default
Posted on Tue, 1 Aug 2017
Question: Hello...I am recovering from shingles on my scalp and farhead...right now the area is all healed, but I'm experiencing a lot of itching and the nerve endings are really itchy...is there anything I can use to relieve the itch? It's driving me crazy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. XXXXXXX

If it isn't from the blisters of the skin healing, the itching may be neuropathic (post-herpetic neuralgia). Nerve problems can sometimes be experienced as itching. A couple of treatments for that are amitriptyline (Elavil) and gabapentin (Neurontin).

Amitriptyline is an old class of antidepressant (tricyclic antidepressant) that has effects on the nerve-muscle junction and has been used effectively for migraine headaches and post-herpetic neuralgia.

Gabapentin is still relatively new. It is an anti-seizure medicine used for nerve pain and many other issues.

I have had good success prescribing amitriptyline in a low dose for a period of time for people with post herpetic neuralgia.

With either of these medications, start low and gradually increase so that you minimize side effect potential.

So consider seeing your doctor to discuss these options.

I am sorry about your itching - that is very difficult. Shingles is an awful illness!

Please let me know if I can provide further information.



Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Remedies For Severe Itching While Recovering From Shingles Infection On The Scalp

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello Ms. XXXXXXX If it isn't from the blisters of the skin healing, the itching may be neuropathic (post-herpetic neuralgia). Nerve problems can sometimes be experienced as itching. A couple of treatments for that are amitriptyline (Elavil) and gabapentin (Neurontin). Amitriptyline is an old class of antidepressant (tricyclic antidepressant) that has effects on the nerve-muscle junction and has been used effectively for migraine headaches and post-herpetic neuralgia. Gabapentin is still relatively new. It is an anti-seizure medicine used for nerve pain and many other issues. I have had good success prescribing amitriptyline in a low dose for a period of time for people with post herpetic neuralgia. With either of these medications, start low and gradually increase so that you minimize side effect potential. So consider seeing your doctor to discuss these options. I am sorry about your itching - that is very difficult. Shingles is an awful illness! Please let me know if I can provide further information.