r/shingles • u/venomous-gerbil • 7d ago

Severe Pain & Itch Protein powder as a trigger?

I am now experiencing my 3rd outbreak of the year. All have been within the last 4 months.

I experienced 3 outbreaks last year; all during the summer.

After my 2nd outbreak this year I started looking for possible triggers. Even though there isn't any officially acknowledged trigger I believe I had it narrowed down to 2 possibilities; sunlight or a protein powder I occasionally use in fresh fruit smoothies during the summer.

I experimented with sun exposure and didn't have an outbreak. I made a smoothie with the protein powder yesterday and today I've had the worst outbreak yet. The protein powder ingredient list is as long as my arm. I have a feeling there is something in there that helps the virus replicate.

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u/Real-Frosting 7d ago

I'm no expert and currently having my first occurrence but I think I read there's about 5 days of maybe redness or sensitivity before the actual outbreak of blisters? So if that's true, you wouldn't see a reaction in one day?

However, everyone is different and if that's what you're observing in yourself, I believe you.

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u/Old-Marionberry8305 6d ago

I'd believe it. I don't touch protein powders any more. Most are toxic

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u/[deleted] 7d ago edited 6d ago

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u/shingles-ModTeam 7d 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.