What Causes Tingling Sensation In Head And Lower Back After Shingles Vaccination?

Posted on Fri, 18 Dec 2015

Question: I had a shingles vaccine Oct 8th. The nurse informed me she made a mistake and only gave me half the dosage. I scheduled a appointment a month later for the booster. Around OCT 20th I began experiencing itching and tingling on my head neck and lower back. Small bumps appeared. I assumed it was a vaccine reaction. When I went to the clinic 2 weeks later, the doctor said I probably had a mild form of chicken pox. He prescribed antibiotics for my ear thst was slightly infected from scratching. That helped my ear but the rash remained.I returned to the clinic because the rash was not going away and I was having trouble sleeping. The p.a. and nurse did not believe it was chicken pox (no Christmas tree pattern)and probably was not related to the shingles vaccine. I was given a steroid shot. Rash improved but is back on my neck and lower back. Bumpy, but not open sores. I went back to my old laundry soap and washed my clothes and sheets, just in case. I am 63 years old and in general very good health. I had chicken pox as a child and again in my 40's.

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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not shingles probable allergy

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are currently suffering from a rash that is lumpy and on your neck and back. YOu were treated once with steroids and the rash improved. This tells me that the rash is related to an inflammatory response and the most common is an allergy. The Shingles vaccine is a red herring as you already had chickenpox and the rash does not sound like a typical rash associated with shingles or chickenpox i.e. no blistering.

I agree with washing clothes and bed linen but I would also tell you that adding fabric softener is the probable cause of your rash. The fabric softeners are the most allergenic part of a persons laundry. So rewash without the fabric softener.

I would also recommend using benadryl or allegra to help with the rash and reduce any itching

In summary
1. not shingles or chickenpox due to lack of blisters
2. probable allergy to fabric softener
3 rewash without fabric softener
4. use benadryl or allegra to help rash and reduce itching

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar