I have shingles on my face(on chin and cheek and lips), in the scabbing over faze, is it safe to cover them up with mineral powder makeup before going out in public??

Going through same thing right now. Make up has not made it worse or caused an infection.

Comment above from 2010 and now 2016 so many moons later... same issue. Shingles is ugly wicked badass anywhere but on face?
Neighborhood kid saw me outside today and when he saw my face? Kid screamed! And I am to return to work Monday, in a school building around 500 young kids. just wonderful!
Gonna try Calamine lotion or Caladryl this weekend, also possibly mineral make-up some kind of make up with no perfumes additives etc. Gott use something'
Once lesions scab over, the skins underneath is very dark red, so blotches of that all over right side of face many around lips and chin and cheek. UGH!

Hello Anonymous

I'm wondering if you asked your prescribing health care provider about this. I think since the sores are scabbing over, it is probably alright, but my concern would be infection.

If the makeup is old or could be contaminated, or if you use a brush or other reusable applicator on the sores and put it back in the container it might not be a good idea. I did a search for information on this but couldn't find anything specific.

I definitely wouldn't put anything on any cracked or open skin, as that is a pathway to infection and shingles is bad enough without having any of the sores infected. Again, I suggest asking the provider you saw just to be sure.

We have a page on shingles if you would like to read more: https://www.empowher.com/condition/shingles.

Good luck and thank you for writing.