Shingles on scalp - just diagnosed

Hi Tania,

I am so sorry you are suffering with this excruciating pain, once again. I too get recurrent Herpes Zoster in my right ear canal. I am on Topamax, an anticonvulsant, which helps lessens the pain. I also take oxycodone 10 mg every 4 hours for about 4-5 days every time I have Herpes Zoster until the antivirals take effect. You must ask your physician for an opioid for the pain. I use Topamax, but some have found the drug, Lyrica helpful as an adjunct. Also, if you have more skin and less scalp involved, Lidocaine patches might help. I use Auralgon ear drops which have Benzocaine that help numb the skin. The multidrug approach has helped me. I hope this helps you, Tania. Please let me know.

Merry Juliana

Hi tania ..

This is my first time with shingles and it has been horrific .. It around my waist and tummy my blisters have been the most painful thing I have ever had including child birth ..

I am very hypersensitive and allergic to everything..So I can't take medication as the side affects are as bad as the illness .. So I had to look into more options and I found you can combine your medication with vitimins , certain foods to avoid and to eat .. But check with your doctor first ..

Example eat food with lots of lysine and eat less with arginine ... Vitimins c .. B12 , this should lessen the pain ..

I am not saying you have to do this but it has greatly helped me and I have always been a bit pessimistic in anything homeopathic but I am only taking penicillin and paracetomal so I had to do something , this is my second week and I feel I am getting there and that is without medication .. But try not to stress as this can prolong the pain and recovery .. I know the pain you are talking about but maybe just looking into different avenues you could lessen the pain as sometimes medication can sometimes hinder recovery quickly .. But I do know that everybody is different and what is good for someone isn't good for others .. So I am not telling you that taking medication isn't right ..I am just saying there is other options you can use along side ..

Best wishes yvey

Thanks Merry & Yvey!  Merry, I have hydrocodone but havent started taking it yet because the pain hasn't gotten bad yet.  As soon as it does, I'm ready!  Yvey, I will try adjusting my diet that way - anything that can help.  I am hoping that maybe it won't be as bad this time around.  Fingers crossed . . . . .