Can Shingles Appear In Your Scalp?

Yes, shingles can appear on your scalp. If the rash does spread to the scalp, it can be very painful as it can make the head very sensitive which means grooming can also become difficult.  It can also lead to permanent scarring and bald patches if the area is not cared for properly.

Having shingles on the head can become unbearable for the sufferer as even the slightest amount of pressure on the head can be extremely painful. Even brushing the hair can become difficult as the bristles run the risk of scraping alongside the rash and bursting the blisters.

As shingles only affects one side of the body, it will also only affect one side of the scalp. Therefore, if an individual does not care for their hair properly or cannot resist the urge to scratch the rash, they could end up having bald patches on only one side of their scalp.
In medical terms, the hair loss is known as cicatricial or scarring alopecia. Once the hair follicles have been scarred the stem cells that are used for future hair growth also become damaged. This means that once the damage has been done, there is no way hair can growth again so there will be a permanent hair loss.

There are other ways a sufferer can relieve the itching and discomfort involved with contracting shingles on the scalp such as:

•Apply a cold, damp compress or cloth to the affected area.

•Try to avoid using harsh soaps or shampoos, opting for more gentle options. Likewise, avoid using products such as hairspray or mousse on the affected area.

•Put some menthol or calamine lotion on the scalp to soothe the itchiness and discomfort.

•Pat the hair dry after a shower, rather than rubbing it with a towel.

Yes you can. I have been shaving my head totally bald for almost 4 years now. Tuesday I noticed 2 small red areas on the back of my head on the left side. I just thought it was razor burn and didnt worry about it. By thursday it was covering nearly the whole left side of the back of my head  from the crown to the neck line. Its SUPER tender with the new hair growing through it. Its red, swollen, blistered, has fever, and ugly to look at. Not to mention I can't even put on a shirt without almost coming to tears. But the rash on the skin isn't that bad to deal with if you can fight the urge to scratch it. Whats so pain full is the nerve pain from under the skin every couple of minutes. Mine seems to be centered at one location each time, then moves down the nerve towards my neck. Honestly Ive never felt something with such acute pain in my 35 years. It feels like an icepick shoved in my head then slowly pulled down the nerve. Its VERY intense. I'll be fine for 2 or 3 mins, then the nerve pain strikes and all I can do is grab my head, close my eyes and grit my teeth. It last maybe 5-6 secs, but afterwards I can't even see straight for a min or so. If you've never had the pain of shingles then you have NO CLUE. If you have, then my prayers are with you.

You definitely CAN get shingles on the scalp. I have had it on the left side of my scalp for about four weeks, and diagnosed by the doctor. I am on an antiviral and pain medication that I already take for chronic severe pain. I am in my mid fourties. I feel for anyone with it! It is very painful. Shampooing with something that dries them a little seems helpful but it is painful to shampoo. I also have an ointment from the doctor but it gets my hair greasy. I hope this helps...The doctor said it just has to run its course!!!
Jacqui

Yes.. I've currently got it on my scalp. It is entirely in my hair line and predominately on the left side of my scalp. If you suspect shingles on the scalp you must see a doctor to start treatment. Once shingles spreads to the face blindness is a possibility.

Blister like bumps on left side of scalp with one large one just behind the ear.

Yes, you can get shingles anywhere. Once you have had them you will be more prone to get them again but not necessarily in the same place.

Yes, and on the scalp. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus VZV) which can remain dormant in a person until middle age when it reappears to cause shingles. Nothing to worry about though it can be painful at the time. (Spellings correct, Blurtit moderator please note.)

Go to www.wikipedia.org, type in shingles. In the brief scan that I did, it appears that you might be able to get them on the cranium, which is your head and scalp. If you look here and think that you might have it, then you should consider going to the doctor for treatment if necessary. Hope this helps.