Recurring Shingles: Any ideas to stop them recurring?

Hi @kelrad1217, you posted perfectly and in the right spot. I also added this discussion to the Skin Health group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/skin-conditions/) where additional discussions about shingles are posted. I'm bringing in fellow members @cdcc @azbarb @deloresp and @paulbklyn who all have had shingles, although I'm not sure if they've had recurring shingles.

While we wait for others to jump into the discussion, you might appreciate this Q&A:
- Early Treatment Often the Best Response to Recurrent Shingles https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/early-treatment-often-the-best-response-to-recurrent-shingles/

How often do you get these flare-ups and what treatment is offered?

Thank you for the add, no I don't have reoccurring shingles just the pain ( which is enough ) posthepetic neurlgia

I had shingles in my left eye and forehead years ago ,i notice in times of stress and anxiety I become especially sensitive in that area .You could find it is an emotional trigger that sets it off as it is for me

I had shingles, my wife had done some research and found that Cold sore (hepes simpex) and Shingles (herpes zoster) are in the same family She had treated my cold sore with Lysine, which took the swelling down very fast all we had at the time was Swiss cheese which has l of Lysine and it worked, Then I ended up with shingles, She thought maybe being as they are in the same family Lysine will help. So she bought some and I took the recommended dose. I didn't blister like shingles do just a few tiny ones at the start. The pain was there, but I didn't blister anymore and It didn't seem to last as long. I do believe that stress or illness can bring on the sensitivity the same thing happens to me.

I've had shingles now neck and right shoulder, going on two months -- while the shingles pustules are much less than at one point, they're still itching. The real problem is the nerve pain (they call it occipital neuralgia) -- at times it's pulsing and very painful -- it's been going on for about a month now. Gabapentin and good old Bengay are the best things I've found. Currently I'm taking about 900 mg of Gabapentin a day (was double that). Interestingly, the pain is worst when I'm not moving. When I walk, exercise or just move about, it's not as noticeable. Sure wish I had the shingles shot.

Ive had recurrent shingles pain on my back for about 10 years. I take gabapentin, use tens machines and heat pads; they take the edge off the pain. The pain comes every 3/4 months and I have lumps on my back. it lasts usually for about 2 weeks. This time it seems much worse. I saw my family doctor 2 years ago and was prescribed gabapentin which enables me to sleep well and takes the edge off the pain. I only take 600mg a day and am not keen to increase the dose.

Thats horrible.! I had them for 25 yrs before Valtrex was found. I am not on a maintenance dose of 1 gram a day and should I have any tingling I am to add 500…additional half. I have never had Shingles again ……decades of non suffering……it also has a nice side effect of calming all nerve endings!……this is a no brainer……really…..get it right away!!!……you can even get it at Urgent Medicals…….I am so sorry this has hurt you for so long!

I AM on a maintenance dose of I gram per day!!

It may help to get reevaluated by a dermatologist or neurologist. Getting examined during a flare would be helpful. Valtrex maintenance is worth a trial for prevention.
Topical diclofenac could offer some relief.

Thank you! (Im in the UK and have ne er heard of Valtrex. Ill see my family doctor about it.)