1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Shingles

How long does the rash last after the blisters have healed?

Posted , 3 users are following.

merry55486
merry55486

Hi everyone

I developed shingles in mid May 2017. The blisters healed and are gone. I still have the rash and pain. I did take Valtrex twice and have just begun 75 mg of Lyrica 2x a day. I realize it is uncertain when the pain will go away but what about the rash? I am 60 years old.

Thanks for your input!

Merry

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 merry55486

    Posted

    Dear Merry,

    I am sorry you are going through this disease process.

    Now that the vesicles-blisters have scabbed over and are gone, you are left with fresh scarring.

    Depending on the location and depth of the rash, the skin's integrity and original appearance, your own body's healing capabilities and your own medical conditions, it should gradually fade over time.

    I understand that you needed two courses of Valcyclovir, thus I am thinking you had a protracted episode. Am I correct? Where is the location of the rash?

    Depending on the severity of the pain, the Lyrica can be titrated up by your physician to 300 mg total per day.

    There are other medications that can lessen the neuralgia and can be adjuncts to the Lyrica.

    It is important to maintain excellent nutrition intake with lots of fruit, vegetables, and protein. A multivitamin daily might help.

    The other issue that individuals with Shingles are unprepared for is the accompanying symptoms of fatigue, exhaustion, and malaise. The fatigue and exhaustion can continue for months after the rash and pain have disappeared. Depression and anxiety are common problems in dealing with the chronic pain and never-ending exhaustion.

    I must say, I did a double take when I saw your name, as i have the identical and uncommon name.

    I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States and have had Herpes Zoster Shingles in my right ear every three to five weeks for the past twentyone years and twice in my right eye.

    Best Wishes

    Merry Juliana

  • joseph34465
    joseph34465 merry55486

    Posted

    My rash and blisters didn't last very long. The Lyrica didn't help me but that was when I was in so much pain that the only thing that helped was Percocet and Dilaudid. Got the Shingles vaccine as soon as I got rid of the Shingles but I got the post pain ( or what ever they call it) so I am dealing with that. Rest, Rest, Rest, sometimes I feal like a wimp but it is what it is. I never had to deal with something like this in my life.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.