How long before the itching and numbness go away from having shingles on my face
Posted , 8 users are following.
Hi,
I've had shingles for 3 nearly to 4 weeks, started the antiviral when the first blister on eyebrow appeared. My eye continuosly waters and stings as is very salty, my face is numb and very itchy. I've been off work for the past 3 weeks now going into 4. I also own my own business so it's not easy or cheap to be at home. When should I expect some relief? I'm at my wits end...although I am aware that there are a lot more people out there doing it tougher! They say 3-5 weeks? does it suddenly go away or is bit by bit?
Thank you
0 likes, 6 replies
babs99203 hurah2
Posted
It can easily take 4-8 weeks for it to get better and unfortunately the face and eye are one of the worst places to get it. I'm terribly sorry to tell you this. Mine was on my back and chest, so I can't speak from experience, but there are many here who have written about their facial shingles. Have you seen en eye doctor, preferably one very familiar with shingles in the eye area? That's VERY important as there can be damage to the eye. Sometimes cold or even hot compresses can help. Some of use medication such as Lyrica or Gabapentin, Tyelenol and Lidocaine pain creams. The last may be difficult with your face and eye being involved. If you search on the forum you'll find plenty more information from others who have the same problems you do.
Welcome (??) to the group.
hurah2 babs99203
Posted
Thank you for your reply, I'm off to the drs again to get a referral as I'm positive it's something to do with my eye. It waters all the time, feels like something is in it and is super sensitive to light. The rest of my shingles problems are getting a lot better, just this darn eye! Thank you
julie89512 hurah2
Posted
im2 weeks into shingles and my bottom lid if my left eye is red and sore.
on my second lot of antivirals and eye drops
iv been to the eye specialist and he could see any damage and it’s him who said iv still got active shingles and put me on the second lot of antiviral meds and eye drops. I go back in 2 weeks for another check up.
my face and gum/ teeth are still numb
hope you are on the mend
clive63734 hurah2
Posted
I’ve had shingles on my face and the back of my eye .This was Dec 2016 and I still suffer from a very bad itch and the only thing I get any relief from is E45 Anti Itch cream which I rub on my eyelid but be carful not to get any in your eye?
I also have an extremely itchy head I’ve tried any amount of products to no avail.
Then my wife suggested using olive oil and haypresto no more itching I only put it on when I’m not going out and wash it off when I do
Belief me it isa godsend.but as for the white marks on your head these are the result of damage to the nerve endings and don’t usually get better I’m afraid to say
I do hope these suggestions are of some help
Clive
telma57 hurah2
Posted
Hi Hurah, I'm on my third week of pain and itching, having better and not so good days. Hope you feel better soon.
Regards,
yogi12221 hurah2
Posted
I still have numbness, pain, and itching on my right side head,forehead,eye, and nose. I was diagnosed 2/20/18. I thought the numbness was getting better but now am not so sure. My right eye is consistently off to the right so I can't focus well. I went to the eye specialist and it is not in my cornea so that's a good thing. I, too, am self-employed and I had to close my business around the time I was diagnosed. I have no idea when I'll be able to reopen it.
Best wishes for healing as quickly as possible. Keep us in the loop.