I have has shingles for about a year. No blisters, just small red spots under the skin that itch like crazy. These red spots are all over my body especially on both sides of chest. The spots are not very pronounced and are spaced out. Some itch happens where there are no spots but itch is still intense. Cortisone helps for a few hours. My doctor prescribed valacyclovir 500mg daily. I can't tell if valacyclovir is helping. The doctor says the itch may last for years. Is there anything else I might try.