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Suggest Remedies For Severe Itching While Recovering From Shingles Infection On The Scalp

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Posted on Tue, 1 Aug 2017
Question: Hello...I am recovering from shingles on my scalp and farhead...right now the area is all healed, but I'm experiencing a lot of itching and the nerve endings are really itchy...is there anything I can use to relieve the itch? It's driving me crazy.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. XXXXXXX

If it isn't from the blisters of the skin healing, the itching may be neuropathic (post-herpetic neuralgia). Nerve problems can sometimes be experienced as itching. A couple of treatments for that are amitriptyline (Elavil) and gabapentin (Neurontin).

Amitriptyline is an old class of antidepressant (tricyclic antidepressant) that has effects on the nerve-muscle junction and has been used effectively for migraine headaches and post-herpetic neuralgia.

Gabapentin is still relatively new. It is an anti-seizure medicine used for nerve pain and many other issues.

I have had good success prescribing amitriptyline in a low dose for a period of time for people with post herpetic neuralgia.

With either of these medications, start low and gradually increase so that you minimize side effect potential.

So consider seeing your doctor to discuss these options.

I am sorry about your itching - that is very difficult. Shingles is an awful illness!

Please let me know if I can provide further information.



Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For Severe Itching While Recovering From Shingles Infection On The Scalp

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello Ms. XXXXXXX If it isn't from the blisters of the skin healing, the itching may be neuropathic (post-herpetic neuralgia). Nerve problems can sometimes be experienced as itching. A couple of treatments for that are amitriptyline (Elavil) and gabapentin (Neurontin). Amitriptyline is an old class of antidepressant (tricyclic antidepressant) that has effects on the nerve-muscle junction and has been used effectively for migraine headaches and post-herpetic neuralgia. Gabapentin is still relatively new. It is an anti-seizure medicine used for nerve pain and many other issues. I have had good success prescribing amitriptyline in a low dose for a period of time for people with post herpetic neuralgia. With either of these medications, start low and gradually increase so that you minimize side effect potential. So consider seeing your doctor to discuss these options. I am sorry about your itching - that is very difficult. Shingles is an awful illness! Please let me know if I can provide further information.