Posted , 6 users are following.
As you might know, FDA has approved a new and improved shingles vaccine. Under CDC guidelines, it is recommended for people over 50, EXCEPT those with an active case such as rash . I had shingles over 1 1/2 years ago and have PHN. I do not have a rash like initial outbreak but the skin is always kind of red and itchy. Any thoughts on this? I contacted the CDC but have not heard back.
0 likes, 9 replies
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roberta91146 ruth57682
Posted
I understand it was not recommended for people over the age of 80, which leaves me out.
Roberta
charlie58834 ruth57682
Posted
You describe red itchy skin in your PHN area. This suggests inflammation, like my area. Mine has responded very well to triamcinolone acetonide cream. It is usually used for eczema, but gets rid of itching and restores some of the normal sensation for me. It is not expensive. In the US it requires a prescription. If you try it and it helps or does not help, please let me know. I don’t know of anyone else who has tried this for PHN on this site.
ruth57682 charlie58834
Posted
charlie58834 ruth57682
Posted
sue2910 ruth57682
Posted
You can search the CDC's website for information (CDC-dot-gov, which I'm typing out in case the embedded link is removed. Once there, use the search box in the upper-right corner and type in Shingles Vaccine.
It's called Shingrix, and this is just a small part of what the CDC says.
"Healthy adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months. You should get Shingrix even if in the past you
had shingles
received Zostavax
are not sure if you had chickenpox
Shingrix reduces the risk of shingles and PHN by more than 90% in people 50 and older. CDC recommends the vaccine for healthy adults 50 and older.
There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.
If you had shingles in the past, you can get Shingrix to help prevent future occurrences of the disease. There is no specific length of time that you need to wait after having shingles before you can receive Shingrix, but generally you should make sure the shingles rash has gone away before getting vaccinated."
Hope that helps!
ruth57682 sue2910
Posted
jacqueline68130 ruth57682
Posted
Ruth, did you ever get an answer to this? I have severe PHN - it's been six month now and I am also wondering if I can have the Shigrix vaccine - and if not, why not? If anyone can answer this please let me know.
ruth57682 jacqueline68130
Posted
ED6072 ruth57682
Edited
I had a terrible case of shingles right after covid. I took 5 days of dexamethazone which reduced my immune system. this was confirmed by my MD son. I had terribly large bullae middle of stomach to middle of back. I took an antiviral and corticosteroid that did the best for healing. After cleared of blisters, I was gjiven shot of Shingrix in hopes it would heal the PHN, but it did not. To help subside the pain and itch, there were a number of thing that helped, 1. coconut cream oil, 2. 300mg 3 t.i.d. of gabapentin, 4. spray of 4% lidocaine, 5. swim in salt water swimming pool. 6. use of capsaicin patch. I am in hopes that the second shot of Shingrix given 6 months after the first. if anyone knows something they have tried the stop the PHN, you will be a hero and could become.