I am a 61-year-old male who had the shingles vaccine about nine months ago now. Within weeks of having the vaccine I started having Urticaria when my body gets warm for either environmental or emotional reasons.
Like everyone else, my doctor has me on anti-histamines and sedatives. They seem to help but have definitely not cured me. I am very limited in my physical abilities now and avoid emotional settings as best as is possible.
Did anyone else have the Urticaria start following a shingles vaccination? Thanks to all for writing in and especially the “Hivesguy” for setting this up and monitoring it.
-John
Judith Clayton says
Just FYI…..I have had Cholinergic Urticaria with a trigger of “heat” for about ?4 years and only got my shingles vaccination about 3 months ago. I had no reaction to it so, at least for me, the two did not correlate.
Hivesguy says
Hello John,
Thanks for your kind words and for posting this question. It’s always possible that a vaccine could trigger an odd immune response, but I can’t recall anyone ever posting anything about cholinergic urticaria and shingles. I don’t think I’ve ever had the vaccine myself. I even had chicken pox when I was younger.
That said, you can’t always know with certainty. It’s very puzzling why odd immune reactions can happen on a whim. I do think drugs, environmental exposures, and things like this can definitely trigger it in some cases. Whether the vaccine was the cause in your case, you may never know.
Thanks again, and welcome to the forum!
Tammy says
I am 41 years old, I have had shingles repeatedly! I was given the vaccine about 4 years ago. I still get the hurting and itching but no rash. I have also had auto immune issues for about 4-5 years now. I am very frustrated by drs who think they can help but after a few months say it is pretty much in my head. Although I have constantly swollen lymph nodes. Now I have been dealing with this outrageous rash since January. I have been to allergists and dermatologist. The last one said if you think the sun escalates your symptoms why do you go outside. I have decided on my own, it must be my sweat! Then I found this website. I am so happy to hear that I am not crazy!! I broke my arm in December and had surgery, it seemed to start after that. Mine starts as a hot sensation, then small bumps. Then circles. Mine takes a month sometimes to go away. This may be because I’m just learning to control it. My skin does get very dry around the circles as they slowly go away. Most creams burn so I have been using cocunut oil. I am so happy to learn there are others like me!!
Hivesguy says
Hello Tammy,
I’m glad you found this site. You definitely aren’t alone in your suffering. Doctors can be very annoying sometimes. Many times I’ve left a doctor’s office feeling like I should be sending them a bill for educating them on the disorder I was suffering with! I’m sure you’ve felt the same way.
It sounds as if you’ve definitely had a lot of medical issues that you’ve had to overcome lately. I certainly hope that you can find some tips on this site to help you manage your hives. I know how hard it can be, but there is hope. Hang in there, and don’t give up. Things will get better soon!
Tammy says
I have read your book, and it sounds exactly like me!! Depression is always lingering but I am aware and try to overcome!! I plan on trying some diet modifications. I try to stay cool so I don’t over heat. So glad I found this site!!
Hivesguy says
Tammy,
Thank you for your support in buying the book. I know there can be some really hard times (mentally) when dealing with this. However, there is hope. Hang in there. You can certainly overcome this in time, so don’t give up. There are many different ways to beat it. Diet is certainly the biggest factor for me.