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Non shingles rash following the shingles vaccine
I took the shingles vax at the end of November 2025. Around or just pas Christmas I developed a severe red rash all over my body. It was itchy and my body was flushed all over. Face was not affected. I tried Prednisone and reactine which is a anti histamine. I also was told to use steroid ointment all over my body. The rash seemed to improve but not clear. Now near the end of feb 2026 the rash has not abated and is getting worse. The skin is very sensitive to my finger nails and flushed red. The itch occurs in various areas but seems to be controlled by the extra strength lotions I am using. The dermatologist seems to think its a shingrex vaccine reaction. It is the only change I have had in my day to day. Has anyone had this reaction and if so what did you do? Thank you in advance
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Since you're seeing a dermatologist, I assume he explored other possibilities. (I've never heard of a reaction of this kind to the the shingrex vaccine, and I stay as up to date as possible on all things shingles because I had a bout that put me in the hospital on a morphine pump.) Were you tested for Grover's disease, for example?
Thank u for your response. Dermatologist thinks it’s a reaction to shingles. A biopsy was done to eliminate cancer I think the acronym was CTLA or something similar. I will post the right one later. The cancer was negative. Derm. Said it was a well known reaction but I was skeptical because first time she did not recognize it as such. I have not been tested I have not been tested for Grover’s but all my blood tests are normal. Would u n willing to exchange email so we can keep in touch. Mine is zaznagarb at hotmail in case u agree. It’s now 3 months and still battling it. Thx much for response. I am in Canada
@bjwilliams I checked pics of Grovers disease. My rash does not have any bumps or pistules. The rash is just under the skin. Sort of like prickly heat you get in the tropics. The skin was pretty red and inflamed but no pain. As of today the skin seems to be less red so lets see tomorrow. I am only using vaseline and or skin creams like Eucerin.
@zaznagarb blood tests do not detect Grover’s Disease only a biopsy. I suffered with rashes for years but last year it got really bad on my chest. Biopsy was done in April which confirmed what was suspected two years earlier. I use Calciptrione (not sure of the spelling) and Sarna Calm & Cool and Calmoseptine for itching. I also take 24hr. Allegra. I would ask for a biopsy. I hope this helps.