Laura asks…
Has anyone had shingles on their scalp?
I know someone who has been told they may be developing shingles on one side of their head based on the symptoms. She first had itching on one side of her head that progressed to numbness and pain. The pain is extreme and there seems to be no pain medication that alleviates it. This progression has gone on for nearly two weeks and no blisters have appeared. Has anyone had head shingles or symptoms like this? If so, what is the treatment and duration?
admin answers:
Has she broken out with blisters since you wrote your message? She should get to a doctor and get an antiviral in the event it IS shingles. If the antiviral is started before the blisters appear the effects from the herpes zoster virus won’t be as serious.
I developed shingles of the scalp a few weeks ago and now have the most aggravating itching. There’s pain as well that I’m told will last for at least a couple of months. I took Acyclovir before the blisters came out as I had headaches, shooting pains and a small swelling on my head for about 4 days and the doctor was sure it would turn out to be shingles. When the blisters came out two days after starting the antiviral drug, they were far less serious than they probably would have been otherwise. The affected area is limited to the right side of my forehead and the scalp area on the right frontal & top area. It’s a nasty disease and can be very, very painful. I now take pain meds because the usual over-the-counter meds don’t do the trick, plus there’s terrible itching which is also helped by the pain meds. Good luck to your friend.
Carol asks…
without treatment how long could you live from the time of infection to the time of death?
My friend got divorced 8 years ago. She found out 2 months ago that he was in the hospital dying from a brain tumor caused by aids. Over the past 2 years he has had symptoms such as shingles, diarreah, and weight loss. Until reading these articles I didn’t even know they were signs. He wasn’t one to go to the dr. for anything because he had no insurance. Is it possible he didn’t know he had it until 2 months ago?
admin answers:
If he didnt think anything of these illnesses or had a worry of aids then it is possible
Nancy asks…
For how long is a new case of shingles considered contagious?
My Dad has a new case of shingles, and began a regimen of treatment with zovirax/acyclovir within 36 hours of noticing the first symptoms. The question is: for what period of time following the onset of treatment is the disease generally considered to be in a contagious phase?
admin answers:
Shingles is not “practically herpes”, it IS herpes — herpes zoster. Herpes zoster (varicella zoster) is contagious for chicken pox only for those who have never had chicken pox or have had only a subclinical (mild) case. You cannot transmit shingles to another person with or without medication. You can transmit only chicken pox. Zovirax (acyclovir) is for zoster suppression and doesn’t prevent transmission. Once the sores are completely scabbed over, chances of transmission is drastically reduced.
Note to my fellow RN, Ruth: When including a web address in your answer, be sure to include http:// at the beginning. The address will show up in blue and the Asker will be able to click on it and be taken to the website you want them to see.
Sandy asks…
Painful blisters on earlobe…Diagnosis??? Herbal Treatments?? Contagious??
For the past 5 days, I have been experiencing moderate pain around the right side of my face. The cause of the pain seems to be 2-3 very small blisters, inside my right ear, that seems to form a crusty cluster and fall off. Also, behind my right ear, within the lymphnodes area, there is a painful lump. Not to mention, my ear lobe is swollen. Does anyone have any ideas or information on what I am experiencing??? Herbal Treatments? Symptoms??
Now, this is the first time for these small blisters to appear inside my ear, however, I have experienced the same symptoms before, but located on the bottom right side of my neck, and I only experienced it about 3-4 within the last 15years. Doctors was unsure of the aforementioned neck scenario, but diagnosed it as a form of Shingles. However, I am clueless and scared of what I am currently going through. HELP!!!!
Oh yeah, if it helps to know, despite of this, I am in my late 20’s and typically considered healthy.
Thanks!
admin answers:
COULD BE A FURUNCLE, OR RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Donald asks…
Painful blisters located on earlobe…Diagnosis??? Herbal Treatments?? Contagious??
For the past 3 days, I have been experiencing moderate pain around the right side of my face. The cause of the pain seems to be 2-3 very small blisters, inside my right ear, that seems to form a crusty cluster and fall off. Also, behind my right ear, within the lymphnodes area, there is a painful lump. Not to mention, my ear lobe is swollen. Does anyone have any ideas or information on what I am experiencing??? Herbal Treatments? Symptoms??
Now, this is the first time for these small blisters to appear inside my ear, however, I have experienced the same symptoms before, but located on the bottom right side of my neck, and I only experienced it about 3-4 within the last 15years. Doctors was unsure of the aforementioned neck scenario, but diagnosed it as a form of Shingles. However, I am clueless and scared of what I am currently going through. HELP!!!!
Oh yeah, if it helps to know, despite of this, I am in my late 20’s and typically considered healthy.
THanks Everyone!!!
**********
admin answers:
SHINGLES!!!!!! Get to a doctor. But I am betting he will tell you that you are suffering from the very painful virus called Shingels. My sister had shingles in her ear and they were so painful. I really have pity for you. Good luck. She went to a dermatologist and they were able to help her. Try a dermatologist.
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