Sorry to hear about getting shingles - that is painful.

If it is around your eye I would suggest that you see an ophthalmologist immediately - herpes can cause severe damage to the eye. A lesion on the tip of the nose is a sure sign that the eyeball is involved because of the way the nerves are distributed.

It is more likely they will start you on an antiviral not prednisone but sometimes both are used. Antivirals work best at reducing pain and duration if started within 72 hours. The possibility of less pain is another reason to get medical help quickly. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000415/2437.html

Here are two sites on home care http://www.mothernature.com/Library/...oks/47/115.cfm
http://www.healingwithnutrition.com/...les/pplan.html

LEF's take on Herpes - I am surprised that B12 is not mentioned: http://www.lef.org/protocols/infecti...hingles_01.htm

One question to consider is what is going on with your immune system that would allow an outbreak of herpes zoster? What can you do to lessen the possibility of another outbreak.

Please have your eye examined immediately - although the offices are closed the eye doctor is on call.
Anne