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How Can Pain On The Face Due To Shingles Be Treated?
I had shingles in my face the right side of my face was shut down eye was closed up had so much pain now that the pain has eased it still like something is moving in my forehead is that my nerves? will it ever go away it is very annoying I also have itching over my eyebrow.
Wed, 11 Jul 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Shingles affects the nerves and might in some cases leave sequelae with pain or numbness (tingling) for long after the infection has cleared so it is very likely your symptoms are due to the effect of shingle infection on the nerve that goes in your forehead. Neurological pain due to shingle can be very uncomfortable and in some cases resistant to pain. The common pain killers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can be tried but are not effective in most cases.
To help with it you can use local numbing agents like lidocaine cream to reduce sensation of the nerve and improve your discomfort. There are also oral tablets like gabapentine or amitriptiline that can be used to ease nerve pain and you will need to talk to your doctor on the need to use them in your case.
Most of the patients improve within a few months from the episode and only few cases may go longer with the symptoms. In this case the above treatments can be considered after fully discussing side effects and possible benefits in your case.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Shingles affects the nerves and might in some cases leave sequelae with pain or numbness (tingling) for long after the infection has cleared so it is very likely your symptoms are due to the effect of shingle infection on the nerve that goes in your forehead. Neurological pain due to shingle can be very uncomfortable and in some cases resistant to pain. The common pain killers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can be tried but are not effective in most cases.
To help with it you can use local numbing agents like lidocaine cream to reduce sensation of the nerve and improve your discomfort. There are also oral tablets like gabapentine or amitriptiline that can be used to ease nerve pain and you will need to talk to your doctor on the need to use them in your case.
Most of the patients improve within a few months from the episode and only few cases may go longer with the symptoms. In this case the above treatments can be considered after fully discussing side effects and possible benefits in your case.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
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