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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Shingles Be Treated?

I am 55 years old and was diagnosed with shingles on my forehead and scalp; stopped at my eyebrow. I took Valtrex for 10 days (3 times a day). The scabs are off; but it still looks like a rash; just not as bad. I am getting a crawling sensation and some itching. When will this go away? Was diagnosed on June 20th.
Fri, 28 Jul 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM.
Herpes zoster (shingles) last for 3-5 weeks.In 14% out of them, post herpetic pain and altered sensation at site lasts for long beyond 1 month.
If I were your treating doctor,I recommend,
-Tablet valacyclovir 1 mg thrice a day for 7-10 days (prescription drug) to be taken as soon as possible after diagnosis
-Cold compresses can be obtained over the affected part after the above course is over when the lesion dried.
-Local application of calamine lotion gives soothing effect.
-If pain present,tab tramadol as and when needed.
-Oral anti histaminic like cetrizine to relieve itching
As your lesion was on your forehead,I would recommend you to visit ophthalmologist as well to rule out any effect on eye (quite possible in your case)
If the tingling,numbness,pain persist beyond 1 month,visit to physician,in that case you may be started on drugs like gabapentin for your nerves.
Hope this information helps.
Thanks and regards.
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How Can Shingles Be Treated?

Hello and welcome to HCM. Herpes zoster (shingles) last for 3-5 weeks.In 14% out of them, post herpetic pain and altered sensation at site lasts for long beyond 1 month. If I were your treating doctor,I recommend, -Tablet valacyclovir 1 mg thrice a day for 7-10 days (prescription drug) to be taken as soon as possible after diagnosis -Cold compresses can be obtained over the affected part after the above course is over when the lesion dried. -Local application of calamine lotion gives soothing effect. -If pain present,tab tramadol as and when needed. -Oral anti histaminic like cetrizine to relieve itching As your lesion was on your forehead,I would recommend you to visit ophthalmologist as well to rule out any effect on eye (quite possible in your case) If the tingling,numbness,pain persist beyond 1 month,visit to physician,in that case you may be started on drugs like gabapentin for your nerves. Hope this information helps. Thanks and regards.