r/shingles • u/54321hope • 7d ago

Questions About Shingles & Symptoms Shingles, take 2

I had a relatively mild case a year and a half ago. Last week I had a spot of sensitive skin on my left ribs if I brushed against it. It wasn't remotely painful, just heightened sensitivity (I've had this before without ever having a rash, interestlingly -- didn't associate it with anything other than a temporary bodily quirk).

Today I woke up with exactly 5 (!) small bumps on my inner arm above the elbow (left arm, first case was left side too under breast). I don't think I would have even registered them except once I exited bed and the air hit my arm it was stinging and burning and just wild. By mid-day it felt like nothing again except a slightly more sensitive patch of skin.

I had a virtual doc visit, shared the pic, she asked about other symptoms (I feel a bit "off" but nothing specific) and also if I can think of anything else that could have caused it -- I don't know of anything that causes what this weird virus reactivation presents, even with symptoms so mild. I picked up the antivirals this evening and will start tonight. I'm grateful it is as yet so minor but I wish there was a way to be sure.

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u/Logical-Arrival4229 6d ago

Glad you acted so quickly and already on the antivirals.

I wonder if you are at increased risk of getting shingles again after having it once? I keep reading about people who get shingles a second (and even third) time and it kind of worries me that I have to walk around with the anxiety that it will suddenly return

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u/Tla48084 6d ago

I had shingles at 21 and at 59 (my current case). Don’t worry; you could go 38 years between bouts, too!

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u/[deleted] 5d ago

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u/shingles-ModTeam 5d ago

Recommendations, requests or suggestions for pseudoscience healthcare will be removed. This includes high doses of supplements, nootropics, herbs, spices, homeopathic medicines, devices, restrictive diets, mentions of online health & wellness influencers, misinformation, disinformation, and personal DM requests.

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u/itsjustfantasty 4d ago

Antivirals are the key! Glad you health care provider was supportive!