If you havepsoriasis, you may be wondering if it’s safe to get theshingles vaccine.
Some people with psoriasis worry thatvaccineswill trigger skin symptoms or make them worse.
This article reviews the safety and risks of getting the shingles vaccine with psoriasis.
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What Is Shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster, or HZ) is a reactivation of the virus that causes chicken pox.
Older and immunocompromised adults, including some people with psoriasis, are also especially prone to shingles complications.
The most common shingles complication ispostherpetic neuralgia(PHN).
PHN causes severe, long-term nerve pain in the initial area of the shingles rash.
The Role of the Immune System
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown.
People with psoriasis most likely have an overactive immune system that causes skin cells to grow faster than normal.
Symptoms of Shingles vs. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is often mistaken for otherskin conditions.
They can refer you to a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis.
The most common punch in of psoriasis isplaque psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis causes thick, scaly, inflamed patches to develop on various parts of the body.
Common affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, torso, and back.
The blisters often appear in a band.
They typically spread before scabbing over within seven to 10 days.
Shingrix is effective and safe for most people, including people with autoimmune conditions like psoriasis.
This makes it especially important for people with psoriasis to consider getting the shingles vaccine.
Research also suggests that two doses of Shingrix significantly reduces the risk of PHN among people with autoimmune disorders.
This is known as the Koebner phenomenon.
The previousshingles vaccine, Zostavax (zoster vaccine live), was alive vaccine.
If your side effects get worse or dont go away, tell your healthcare provider right away.
Medications that weaken your immune response may also make certain vaccines less effective.
In immunocompromised adults, Shingrix is approximately 68%91% effective.
In 2019, the FDA approved the shingles vaccine for use in all immunocompromised adults.
What Causes Shingles to Activate?
Anyone who has ever hadchickenpoxcan get shingles.
Around 99% of people in the United States.
born in 1980 or earlier have had chicken pox at some point.
Many didnt know they had it at the time.
Shingles Vaccine Alternatives
Shingrix is typically effective and free from dangerous side effects.
It is the best way to prevent shingles and related complications.
Psoriasis can increase the risk of various other medical conditions, including shingles.
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a condition that causes a painful, burning rash and blisters.
Shingrix is a recombinant vaccine that prevents shingles and related complications in older and immunocompromised adults.
A Word From Verywell
Psoriasis can increase your risk of developing many different conditions, including shingles.
If youre worried about getting Shingrix with psoriasis, talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns.
They can help you make the best decision based on your symptoms, medical history, and medications.
There is not yet enough evidence to suggest whether Shingrix can trigger flare-ups among people with psoriasis.
According to recent research, Shingrix is safe and effective for people with autoimmune diseases.
Its common for psoriasis to be confused with other skin conditions.
Your dermatologist can use a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose your condition accurately.
They can also prescribe medications to treat your skin condition.
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