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Suggest Treatment For Numbness On Forehead And Burning On Scalp

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Posted on Tue, 22 Jul 2014
Question: I had a case of shingles on half my face and scalp, and although I am now over it, I still have a numb sensation on my forehead and some burning on my scalp. Is there anything I can do to get rid of this sensation. I have no pain,but it is quite uncomfortable.Thank you.XXXX
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Post Herpetic Neuralgia

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your concern and I have understood it.

Shingles OR Herpes Zoster, is commonly accompanied by neuralgia. This may be in the form of pain, shooting or burning sensation. This is commonly called as Herpes associated neuralgia (HAN). However when it persists long after Shingles has resolved (usually past 1 month) then it is called as Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) i. e pain lasting 1 month after episode of shingles. Its due to inflammation and scarring of nerves affected by the episode of shingles. Treatment is effective but sometimes may have to be continued for months or years specially in old age group of patients (> 50 years of age) :

Treatment options are:
-NSAIDS
-Tricyclic antidepressants(Amytriptyline, nortriptyline)
-Gapapentin/Pregabalin
-Anticonvulsants like Carbamazepine
-Vitamin B12 Megadoses
-Topical Capsaicin gel/cream
-Topical Lidocaine gel/cream

I usually treat my patients with a tricyclic antidepressant (Amytriptyline 25 mg) once daily at night along with Gabapentin 300mg twice or thrice daily. The dose of tricyclic antidepressant can be increased to twice daily OR thrice daily depending on the response. An oral Vit B12 Methylcobalamine in doses of 500 mcg to 750 mcg is also useful for neuralgic pains.

These are prescription medications therefore, I would advise consultation with a dermatologist OR local practitioner/physician and a prescription for the above drugs.

Regards
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Numbness On Forehead And Burning On Scalp

Brief Answer: Post Herpetic Neuralgia Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your concern and I have understood it. Shingles OR Herpes Zoster, is commonly accompanied by neuralgia. This may be in the form of pain, shooting or burning sensation. This is commonly called as Herpes associated neuralgia (HAN). However when it persists long after Shingles has resolved (usually past 1 month) then it is called as Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) i. e pain lasting 1 month after episode of shingles. Its due to inflammation and scarring of nerves affected by the episode of shingles. Treatment is effective but sometimes may have to be continued for months or years specially in old age group of patients (> 50 years of age) : Treatment options are: -NSAIDS -Tricyclic antidepressants(Amytriptyline, nortriptyline) -Gapapentin/Pregabalin -Anticonvulsants like Carbamazepine -Vitamin B12 Megadoses -Topical Capsaicin gel/cream -Topical Lidocaine gel/cream I usually treat my patients with a tricyclic antidepressant (Amytriptyline 25 mg) once daily at night along with Gabapentin 300mg twice or thrice daily. The dose of tricyclic antidepressant can be increased to twice daily OR thrice daily depending on the response. An oral Vit B12 Methylcobalamine in doses of 500 mcg to 750 mcg is also useful for neuralgic pains. These are prescription medications therefore, I would advise consultation with a dermatologist OR local practitioner/physician and a prescription for the above drugs. Regards