Herpes simplex 1 or is it herpes zoster

Since 2003 I have had a recourring rash on the upper side of cheek and just below my eye.  It alway occurs on my right side of face.  I have been told that it is herpes zoster.  I have also that herpes zoster dosn't reocurr.  As the years have past on, I have go from 2 outbreaks a year to now about every 3 to 4 months.  I have been treated with valtrex, which does help with the lessions scabbing over with in 2 to 3 days.  Is it possible that this could be herpes simplex 1 instead?  4 doctors have seen this outbreak and have said that is herpes zoster, all during different outbreaks.  Others who have not seen think it is impossible for it to be herpes zoster because it is reocurring now so frequently.  Other than this problem I am a healthy 33 year female. Stress triggers this problem.   My problem now is that I have extreme pain, that some dr's think there is nerve damage.  Some doctors tell me to use neurotin some have told me not too.  In the past neurotin has helped with pain.  I have also been prescribed amitriptyline.  I was on this drug ( 50mg at bedtime) for about 2 years and it did help for a while with the pain.  Then it stopped working for pain mangement, so I stopped taking it.  Now I am having extreme ear pain, have ruled ramsay hunt snydrome, and now have restarted with the amitriptyline in 10mg doses gradually working up to a goal of 50mg.  I am taking perocet for the pain every 4 hrs.   Any help would be great, dont' know what else I can do.        


This discussion is related to Recurring localized rash for 10yrs. No one can diagnose.