The trigeminal nerve (one of the cranial nerves) supplies the scalp and the face. When the virus travels along this nerve pathway, shingles will affect these areas. What reactivates the shingles ...

In contrast, a shingles rash is usually seen on one side of the torso, rib area, or face; it is rarely found on the knees, ...

Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Most scabs on the scalp aren’t cause for concern.