Can Shingles form on the scalp?

[foxygm]

I have a friend who ever sense her car accident has been having bumps that form into blisters then bust causing intense itching. At one point she was told she had a staff infection and given an antibotic and cream. It seem to help for a while then came back. I told her it sounded like a form of shingles. another friend told her it was "shackles". I have looked everywhere trying to find info on this subject but so far no luck. I know chicken pox can form all over the body including the eyes so why would it be so far fetched that what she is having is an outbreak of shingles? he is under alot of stress so I'm certain her nerves are in a tangle. Any help you can supply would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Sue Fox


This discussion is related to Sensitive scalp skin in one side of head.

[maatson]

It might be of interest to know that head injury, especially boxing can precipitate herpes zoster of the head.This is known as herpes gladiotorum!

[dbt428]

I had a sore throat for a week, before a rash appeared on the right side of my face. I went immediately to an urgent care clinic wen I saw the rash in a mirrow, was diagnosed with herpes zoster opthalmalicus (a recurrence of chickenpox from 49 years ago-- my second attack, the first was at age 28 -25 years ago). I'm taking Valtrex the last 80 hours, & the sores are going away, but only now is the sensitive scalp coming in.

If you look on wikipedia, it says that 10% of herpes zoster is the variety that's mainly in the head, brought about by stress-- though they really don't know why (& I don't either this time).

[foxygm]

Hi
Thank you for your response. To my knowledge she did not substain a head injury in the acident. Her life has just been very stressful since. I'll print this and pass it on to her. Again thank you.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

During the car accident was there any associated head or scalp injury?

Was there any open wound in the scalp?

Shingles may occur in the scalp. It may be managed with pain relievers as antivirals like acyclovir are only effective once initiated early on. These medications also have some side effects. Shingles may resolve spontaneously after 3 weeks and they usually present with crusts and tingling pain.

Another differential for your friend is folliculitis. This may recur and may be contagious. It can spread through direct skin to skin contact.

I suggest that you discuss with the physician if oral antibiotics may be indicated at this point. For how long has his scalp condition been present? Also, for how long has your friend been using the topical medications?