I m in week four of shingles on the left side of my face and scalp. I had only one lesion that never blistered but filled with pus and eventually scabbed over and left a slight scar. The nerve pain has spread and become worse every day, with no ease. I have taken a round of valacyclovir and a round of acyclovir, but noticed no changes or improvements. I use lidocaine cream and feel no relief. I take gabapentin and notice no change. I take Tramadol and ibuprofen and those make me sleep for a couple of hours but I wake up with searing, slicing pain. I cannot wear glasses and functioning is difficult. Is it possible this is not shingles but something else that needs to be treated? I m in complete misery and cannot imagine living with this. Please help. Suzanne Mitchell