A member asked:

I was diagnosis w/ shingles 2 weeks ago. it has healed but last night it started itching again. do i need to see dr for more antiviral prescription or i'm healing still?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Robert Killian answered

Specializes in General Practice

Shingles and Itch: Without seeing your skin i would recommend a contact with your physician. They may want to refill your script or give you something for the itch. The itch in shingles is also sometimes painful and treating this symptom is a common way to survive an episode of shingles.

Answered 4/5/2013

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Itch from shingles: Shingles is a reactivation of chickenpox. After chickenpox resolves, virus stays in nerve cells and comes out as shingles along the path of one nerve. Once vesicles dry, no need for antiviral meds. Nerve is inflamed for a while afterward, so itch/pain can persist for weeks-months. This doesn't need treatment as long as symptoms are improving. If itch/pain persist there are treatments for that.

Answered 4/5/2013

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