Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
161 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Intermittent Pain On Right Side Of Scalp, Swollen. Had Mild Case Of Shingles Years Ago. Underlying Cause?

I have shooting intermittent pains on right side of my scalp, and it also appears slightly swolen, I've had no injuries to my head, the pain and swelling is in a 3x5 area behind to above the right ear on the scalp.
This is the 2nd time in as many months, it feels a little like when I had a very mild case of shingles in the scalp about 5 years ago.
posted on Thu, 14 Nov 2013
Twitter Fri, 15 Nov 2013 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 15 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Dermatologist,  's  Response
hi. Shingles is commonly accompanied by neuralgic pains, shooting or burning or stabbing pains. 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 lasts months or years specially in old age group of patients:

options are:
NSAIDS
Tricyclic antidepressants(Amytriptyline, nortriptyline)
Gapapentin/Pregabalin
Carbamazepine
Topical Capsaicin gel/cream
Topical Lidocaine gel/cream

i would advice consultation with a dermatologist and work out the best treatment options for you.

I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Herpes zoster


Loading Online Doctors....
Intermittent Pain On Right Side Of Scalp, Swollen. Had Mild Case Of Shingles Years Ago. Underlying Cause?

hi. Shingles is commonly accompanied by neuralgic pains, shooting or burning or stabbing pains. 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 lasts months or years specially in old age group of patients: options are: NSAIDS Tricyclic antidepressants(Amytriptyline, nortriptyline) Gapapentin/Pregabalin Carbamazepine Topical Capsaicin gel/cream Topical Lidocaine gel/cream i would advice consultation with a dermatologist and work out the best treatment options for you.