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Ophthalmic shingles twice over the last 4 years. Still getting small scale facial pustules.....

Posted , 7 users are following.

Wensome1
Wensome1

I am getting single isolated pustules in my eyebrows, behind my ear(s), my cheek and I just had one on my butt cheek.  I am on acyclovir daily.  I still have facial and scalp tingling after all of this time.  Anyone else out there get these outbreaks where it's just a few lesions?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • nancy49168
    nancy49168 Wensome1

    Posted

    I have been getting shingles for over 10 years and have had around 40 times. They are always a small outbreak for me.  Have had on butt cheek, front torso and neck. Most recently it moved to my left cheek and at first I thought it was acne - I am 44 but do have oily skin. Nope it was shingles. It has come back there three times since then. Leaves horrible scars. I have no miracle cure, I too take acyclovir daily and have to have 8 hours of sleep. I try and control my stress. 
  • mary05897
    mary05897 Wensome1

    Posted

    Yes, that is me.  I had them in the eye and ear area and on both arms.  The outbreaks were sporadic and atypical. My scalp itched and tingled as well. Thought they would be a part of my life forever. I have missed a whole month of work due to vertigo in my ear.  I started taking 1,000 mg of L-Lysine and they are clearing up

    . L-Lysine is going to be a preventive part of my ongoing treatment to prevent getting them. Best of luck to you. 

    • colin1147
      colin1147 mary05897

      Posted

      I am a 70 year old English Male. I have had facial Shingles/PHN for 11 months now; I also have reduced kidney efficiency, and I raised Lysine with my Doctor recently. She advised that L-Lysine would be OK with the 8 drugs that I take, but to keep an eye out for raised Creatinine levels, which can be an indicator of reduced kidney efficiency....... one of my blood pressure medications (Losartan) works well for BP, but increases my Creatinine levels, so all in all, a bit of a juggling act re the meds. regards, Colin

       

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 Wensome1

    Posted

    Dear Wensome,

    I have Herpes Zoster-Shingles episodes every 3-5 weeks in my right ear for the past 21 years and twice in my right eye.

    I tried taking Valcyclovir at a maintenance dose, and it didn't suppress the episodes.

    I do eat a High Lysine Low Arginine diet. It helped for eight months, but then, unfortunately I am back getting Herpes Zoster-Shingles at the same frequency. It also now affects my scalp so is on multiple dermatomes and lasts much longer.

    The Lysine supplements can affect your kidney function, and I certainly cannot take it as I have stage 3 Kidney Disease.

    I am on the waiting list in the States for the Shingrix vaccine to hopefully decrease the number of episodes.

    I have Autoimmune Diseases and had breast cancer, plus head trauma which precipitated the whole shingles event.

    Acyclovir is the oldest Antiviral, and the virus has developed some resistance to it. You may wish to request Famciclovir, as it might work better for you. Valcyclovir is based on Acyclovir, and Famciclovir is not.

    I found going off the maintenance antiviral was better as when I had the episodes, at least my body knew it, and I responded to the antiviral at the full dose. I think you may have a subclinical chronic Herpes Zoster-Shingles infection, which I believe is worse. Your body doesn't mount any immune response, you feel horrible all the time, you are on the Antiviral Acyclovir which isn't suppressing the virus.

    I would try to get the Shingrex vaccination, even if you are in the UK.

    I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States.

    Best Wishes

    Merry Juliana

  • Hector78249
    Hector78249 Wensome1

    Posted

    Recommend you consult with your medical provider on taking the new shingles vaccine Shingrix (2 doses). Shingrix has a 90+% of preventing shingles or the return of shingles. Hope you see, if you have not done so all ready, an ophthalmologist (MD) who has extensive experience in treating ophthalmic shingles. Best of success......
  • hope4cure
    hope4cure Wensome1

    Posted

    Careful the rash is not spread by scratching or touching the rash. I use a sunburn spray with lidocane. Or can be made with aloe Vera and glycerine with liquid lidocane. Lidocane is prescription strength is best there is lidocane available over the counter.

    Another great way to diminish the rash occurance and length of the shingles rash breakout is please ask your doctor about the new immunization Shingex available . It's better than the old immunization. If is recommended by the FDA.  They have both helped me with it spreading and very little recurrance of the horrible painful rash and will also stop the PHN from also becoming a additional threat to health. 

    Cheers

     

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