Sharing my experience - recurring shingles
Posted , 285 users are following.
I'm a 35 year old female and have had recurring shingles for about 7 years which occurs anything from 3-7 times a year and occasionally back to back. It is always a small cluster of itchy/stinging spots at the base of my spine and thankfully, the only other symptom can be overly sensitive skin down the back of my thighs. It is the only 'illness' that I ever suffer from - I never get colds or other 'bugs' that seem to plague everyone around me. So, the main guidelines about shingles are very general and should not discount anyone who suffers from this if they fall outside the norm for the condition i.e. over 50, poor immune system, you only get it once, spots appear on the sides, chest or face etc. as I don't fit any of these but have had tests and confirmation.
My advice to anyone else who suffers from this is - do try to get antiviral medication like aciclovir as it will minimise the frequency of outbreaks, try the coldsore patches from the chemist (Compeed is the brand I use) - they can be costly but keep the area clean and covered to prevent spreading and definitely seem to clear it up more quickly and with less scarring and, finally, try not to touch the area at all outside of treating it. I have become good at recognising the early sysmptoms and the earlier I act on it, the less troublesome it is. I have also made a connection with using sunbeds as a couple of outbreaks have occurred shortly after using one so minimise UV exposure of the area (not usually a problem when it's on your bottom!). Hope this helps.
35 likes, 501 replies
holly2007 Guest
Posted
I'm 42...this is my 7th outbreak in about 10 years. I have noticed that if I come in contact with someone else with shingles or a child that has had the chicken pox vaccine....within 2 weeks I have an outbreak. I had bad cases of chicken pox 3 different times growing up. Everything I read says this just doesnt happen. I just can't see it being a complete coincidence.... Always break out one of 2 places...my face or my leg but never both places at the same time. Dr said I have to go a certain amount of time without an outbreak before I can try the vaccine but honestly I'm scared it will make me worse. I'm so glad that I'm not alone and I'm not crazy....that's how Drs make me feel when I tell them I was exposed before my outbreak....
jane97743 holly2007
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It's a known fact that people can't catch shingles from someone else, just a coincidence especially as you get it so often, So sorry for your pain, I was diagnosed 12 weeks ago and the pain was unbearable until I started taking co dydramol, it helped so much and I could finally sleep better too, I know the vaccine isn't available unless over 70, , I know it's only the over 70s that can have the vaccine free. I hope you feel better soon
Jane
Jane
pamela93 jane97743
Posted
I am beginning to wonder whether there really are any "known facts" about shingles nowadays. I am wondering whether the virus has perhaps mutated over the years and that possibly environmental factors ( cellular phones, antennae, all our other electronic gadgets, some foods or medications etc) have made some of us more vulnerable. It seems that most of us in this forum are suffering from things that the medical profession regard as "impossible" --- repeated attacks, outbreaks in different dermatomes, etc. Perhaps the whole topic needs to be reassessed and more evidence collected so that medical opinion can become less dogmatic and more helpful to patients in our position. Wouldn't it be wonderful to go to a doctor and hear the words "I know just what you are going through" !! All the best, Pamela
jane97743 pamela93
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wagadoddle jane97743
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Sorry to say, Your are totally wrong with the fact you can't get the Shingles from someone else. Read up on the Shingles. This is an ugly virus that leaves you in pain and can scare for life. You don't want to get it from someone else if you can avoid coming in contact with someone having it at a certain stage.
jane97743 wagadoddle
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You can't catch shingles, only chickenpox if you have never had it before! it is caused by stress or low immunity.
di46792 Guest
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This forum is remarkable! I'm experiencing a bout of shingles on my upper back which I cope with quite well as it occurs fairly regularly. But my sister just text me and said that she didn't think you could get shingles more than once! Si no sympathy there! So I decided to peruse the web and found this great site! I am experiencing stress at the moment as a carer for my elderly mum, also sleepless night, hence the outbreak! But, I find taking high does of Vitamin C orally ie. 1000mgs 3-4 times a day. Also I apply a fabulous local cream from a Indian company called Himalaya. It's basically a multi purpose cream that has quite magical properties! I gust bought it years ago while out in Jndia, but now buy it from their web site. It's incredible for all skin problems from heroes to scalds, trust me the whole family use it and my friends! Hope this helps Di
Missjmiller Guest
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I'm so happy to see this I've been getting reoccurring rashes for about 11 years and haven't seen a doctor yet I need to go cause I believe it may be shingles the pain that comes with it is horrible
Leslipvb Guest
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I've been searching for years to confirm that these blisters that occur about every 3 months are shingles. I had breast cancer 5 years ago and endured a year of chemo, I had my first break out within a year of my last treatment. It's always on the back of my right thigh. I notice moye headaches and nerve pain along with the itching and tingling. It never occurs to me that my symptoms are evolving shingles nail I find the rash. Any help would be appreciated!
kaylee1394 Leslipvb
Posted
I'm sorry to hear that you too have shingles it appears. I do remember that creams with capsacin as the active ingredient are supposed to help with nerve pain. Just don't use on a current breakout. Capsacin is what makes chilies spicy.
kristie44670 Guest
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kaylee1394 Guest
Posted
jimboggs Guest
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So apart from the usual treatments... find your happy place. Visit friends and take time to relax and breathe. Meditate. We can only try
chann jimboggs
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Good morning jimboggs
Thank you for your reply. Yes you're 100% correct.
Mine I'm sure was due to ongoing stress over a three year period.
I'm trying hard to handle it better. Not always easy.
Being active, going to gym and trying to eat more healthier aswell.
jimboggs chann
Posted
Can I just ask, have you not had any more reoccurence?
I have read many conflicting reports, about a bout of shingles as an adult will apparently (if you have a healthy immune system otherwise) in theory strengthen your immunity to it. But obviously, people on here with reoccuring will suggest otherwise...
Have you found it helps at all what you are doing? Have the doctors said why and I hear (from merrys post somewhere) that there is a vaccine coming out that claims 97%