Actually I am old enough to have gotten the smallpox vaccine, but smallpox was gone from the US by the time I was born. Or at least it was very rare here, I’m not sure.
Shingles is a resurgence of chicken pox. Before there was a vaccine just about everyone got it as a child (along with mumps, measles, and rubella).
Once you’ve had it it’s never entirely eradicated but hides out in nerves. Then, for some reason, in adulthood it can start replicating again and can cause temporary or permanent nerve problems.
The shingles vaccine is an extra strong dose of the chicken pox vaccine that they give to children.
Unfortunately it’s not a guarantee against it, but it reduces the chances and also makes it likely that if you do get it it will be less severe.
It doesn’t seem any worse this morning and the existing spots seem to be getting better, so I’m hopeful.
Keep the doctor appointment - there are anti-viral medications that can keep it from getting worse as well as reduce your chances of suffering long-term pain problems.
You bet! Get on meds ASAP (assuming you’re still within the suitable timeframe, generally less than 72 hours after onset). Antivirals can really reduce outbreak severity and duration. And systemic steroids may help reduce symptoms, though recent data analysis is less clear on that. But don’t wait to take the meds once they’re in your hands.
The onset was Saturday. I thought it was an allergic thing and took Benadryl. It eventually became obvious that that wasn’t the case and I called yesterday but they couldn’t fit me in till today. So it may be to late for meds.
Well don’t I feel stupid. I shouldn’t play amateur diagnostician.
It is not shingles. It may be a contact dermatitis, herpes that I spread by scratching, an autoimmune thing, or some other unknown. He gave me a prescription for a topical steroid and wants to see me in a week. If that doesn’t work then I’ll see a dermatologist.
No reason to feel stupid, and rest assured you aren’t the first person to play amateur diagnostician. Look at the good news, now you have a professional diagnosis so it was smart you didn’t skip the appointment. I hope you’re feeling better soon!