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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Painful Shingles On Head, Neck And Behind The Ears

i have had shingles for almost three weeks. The head...skull, neck and behind the ear most affected. Extremely painful. I am overwhelmed to the point of nausea with a chemical smell which emantes from several things..ie. washing up liquid, vanilla, the oven!! What is happenening and do I need to see a Dr.? Unfortunately we are on a rural Greek Island for another two weeks before flying back to UK and the wonderful NHS. Can I afford to wait to get home if treatment is necessary? Sorry to trouble you with something that sounds mundane. Lynne.
Wed, 9 Dec 2015
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query you have painful shingles on head, neck and behind the ears . Well there can be many reasons for symptoms you mention in query, But in your case the symptoms are due to viral infection . Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an attack of chickenpox, the virus remains in the tissues in your nerves. If you have an illness or stress that weakens your immune system, the virus may reappear in the form of shingles . Delaying or not getting medical treatment may increase your risk for complications like postherpetic neuralgia or cranial nerve complications . I would suggest you to consult dermatologist for proper examination . Doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines like acyclovir , antibiotics , amitriptyline , cream containing capsaicin , anticonvulsants or nerve block injections . For now avoid picking at and scratching blisters , use cool, moist compresses and take inuprofen or acetaminophen for pain .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwar
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Suggest Treatment For Painful Shingles On Head, Neck And Behind The Ears

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query you have painful shingles on head, neck and behind the ears . Well there can be many reasons for symptoms you mention in query, But in your case the symptoms are due to viral infection . Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an attack of chickenpox, the virus remains in the tissues in your nerves. If you have an illness or stress that weakens your immune system, the virus may reappear in the form of shingles . Delaying or not getting medical treatment may increase your risk for complications like postherpetic neuralgia or cranial nerve complications . I would suggest you to consult dermatologist for proper examination . Doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines like acyclovir , antibiotics , amitriptyline , cream containing capsaicin , anticonvulsants or nerve block injections . For now avoid picking at and scratching blisters , use cool, moist compresses and take inuprofen or acetaminophen for pain . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwar