Herpes Zoster (Varicella, Shingles) of the scalp is an uncomfortable often painful disease of a nerve and the area of skin surrounding it.
It presents as a localised rash with blistering (cause: Varicella the chickenpox virus).
The blisters burst and crust over usually within a week, often leaving pale scars.
Vulnerable persons will have suffered chickenpox. It may be more common in people with a compromised immune system e.g. victims of HIV/AIDS or Chemotherapy.
Treatment is to relieve pain (analgesics), or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. Calamine lotion may help.
