1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Shingles

What can alleviate my post-shingles outbreak itch?

Posted , 4 users are following.

betty01
betty01

Hi everyone, i just survived my first shingles outbreak, at 36 yrs old. I dont know what caused it; i suspect stress (a possibility from what i hear). A month before i got the rash, i felt what i describe as pulses on the outside of vagina. It happened for about a day or two before my period, and went away. I continued to feel a vague discomfort down there that made me want to only wear loose pants. Then the next period cycle came, and this time i felt pulses and soreness that turned to pain, and well you all know the sharp electric static-y pangs here n there, around my thigh and butt cheek. Went to Dr 2 days after rash began and started antiviral meds and prednisone. I felt great relief, and everything worked its way out smoothly. However, a week later, i have a stubborn strong itch on my butt cheek. Im probably going back to the Dr for this, but wanted YOUR insight and advice!

I want to say how much i respect everyone on this discussion for posting your experience with this health issue. It is a serious issue that doesnt get the serious attention it deserves. Ive never really known much about it other than 1. its like chickenpox 2. older people get it 3. hardly anyone gets it. Which are totally false! Its excruciating, debilitating, and often recurring condition!!! And the fact that it has aftermath issues that can be unresolved is so scary and sad. I hope some of you can give me some advice to heal the itch, and how to prevent future outbreaks, or what other signs to watch out for before another outbreak strikes!

Thank you!

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Jay48383
    Jay48383 betty01

    Posted

    I used a paste made of SOlarcaine Cool Aloe, Aveeno Anti Itch Concentrated Lotion and a few drops of Vitamin E Oil.  This provided relief for hours and was available at most standard drug stores for minimal cost.  Good Luck.
  • cindie44671
    cindie44671 betty01

    Posted

    I was blessed that I didn't have much pain, but the itch made me crazy sometimes! I used OTC cortisone cream. Also, before I knew it was Shingles, I was using an ice pack, on what I thought was inflammation in my back, and that helped some, too. 
  • jane97743
    jane97743 betty01

    Posted

     I found it the only thing to soothI think the safest and easiest thing to use is Calamine lotion, the old fashioned pink kind, it is  not as thick as i remember it as a child, when my Mum used to use it if we got sun burnt ( parents were not so aware in those days of the dangers) I found it soothing, as I have had terrible itching on my forehead and on my right temple, also around my eye but I don't dare to go near that area, It was 7 weeks ago that I was diagnoses and I had the worst type, especially as it re-infected, and I was in such pain and very worried about losing vision! I got treatment as soon as I saw the rash, I still get the itching but it is not as bad as it has been, I have the complication of the neuralgia, so have been unlucky, but just relieved that after so many trips to the eye clinic, my eye is ok! 

    Good luck and I hope this helps, try not to touch it although I know  it is hard when it itches!!

  • jane97743
    jane97743 betty01

    Posted

    Sorry, the beginning of my message got messed up with the next part, not sure what happened there!! I meant to say, Calamine was the only thing that was soothing!
  • Amy_in_agony
    Amy_in_agony betty01

    Posted

    HI Betty, I have recently noticed a correlation with those thumping pulses. This entry by you about your experience solidifies what I've been suspecting. I have a seemingly unusual set of issues, but as I continue to read this information source more and more it helps me to sort out how to deal with it and realize that I am more normal than I previously thought. I have been diagnosed with type I and II herpes (oral and genital) and Zoster (shingles). They say they're all separate but I don't really completely believe it. I get the thumping pulses in the outer vaginal area as you described and is a part of the type II symptoms...  but that happens before a Shingles outbreak as well. To me they seem related, hard to explain but true. I think anyone who has been dealing with it for years starts to know how symptoms present themselves. My type II presents itself much like shingles does but I have had the culture test and they are 2 different things that ping/pang/itch/pulse in each other's areas.... so go figure. Just thought I'd write a note to validate your thoughts about the pulses. That is a huge pre-curser clue. 

    Good luck to you ! 

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.