I have SHINGLES! It hurts so much...When will the pain and itching go away?

You will have the outbreak until your immune system is able to supress the virus again. How long that takes can be anywhere from a few weeks to a month or so. Hopefully you have seen the doctor and gotten an anti-viral that will help speed that along. You should also have gotten something for the pain. If it's just not working, then in the morning you can give the doctor a call and let them know you need something a litle stronger at least to take at night. As far as what to do in the meantime, try something cold, frozen peas or corn will help numb the skin a bit. Technically, you are contagious as long as you have any open sores, and will be until it is all dried up. However, in order for somebody to catch it from you currently they pretty much have to touch the open pox. You should be keeping it all covered with a bandage while you are at school, which also helps it not be quite so sensitive and painful from the clothing brushing against it. Otherwise, it's best if you leave it open and uncovered. Unlike active chicken pox, you are not breathing out the chicken pox in your viral secretions. It's only in the open and weeping sores on your torso. Your friends may not have had chicken pox because they were immunized. That will help protect them. They may also simply not remember having it, since many children get it even before they start school. I wouldn't much worry about giving it to your friends. As long as you are careful not to touch the spot and then touch them, you will all be fine. When it heals you should not have any scars to show, providing you don't go digging in with your fingernails. I'm sorry to hear you are suffering through this, as shingles are just a real misery even for older folks. It can't be any more pleasant for you now. Try the cold/frozen stuff to help for now, and try to keep cool as you can. You can also try cold wet cloths, or use a 1 ounce of vinegar to 32 ounces of water to sponge it to help with itch. You can also soak in a cool tub of water with either a handful of oatmeal or Aveeno bath soak, or baking soda. If the itch is really, really bad, you can take Benadryl to help with that. And call your doctor in the morning for something to help in the nighttime. As a rule, it seems to itch and hurt even worse then than during the daytime. With some luck, you will be able to say goodbye to it in about 2 weeks. Now you know what to look for as far as your warning signs, you will know to seek help fast if it breaks out again in the future. Sorry dear, I wish I had better help to offer you.