Ali Johnson Reveals Her Shingles Diagnosis at 36 and Shares Her Experience

If you were keeping up with Ali Johnson’s Instagram during the last few days of July, you may have noticed her left eye was obscured. On July 29th, she opened up about the reason behind it.

In her post, the former reality star disclosed that she had been diagnosed with shingles, stating, “Well— I have shingles— at 36 years old.” The initial disbelief and embarrassment that she felt resonate with many who have had shingles at a younger age, as it’s often considered an illness that primarily affects older individuals.

However, Ali found that she wasn’t alone. Her post sparked a wave of responses from other younger individuals who have also faced shingles. She decided to continue sharing her journey, emphasizing that early detection is crucial for alleviating the severity and duration of the condition.

Understanding Shingles

Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. This virus remains dormant in the body until it reactivates, resulting in shingles. The condition typically manifests as a painful, red rash on one side of the body, often appearing around one eye, the stomach, chest, or back. Accompanying symptoms may include a mild fever, headache, fatigue, and a general feeling of unwellness. The most distinctive symptom, as described by Ali, is the pain, which she likened to “electricity underneath my skin,” a sensation that can feel like fireworks along the nerves.

In a follow-up update, Ali elaborated on her experience, stating, “It’s pure agony… with mine being on my face and scalp it’s just shooting pain through my brain.”

The Role of Stress

Shingles cases among younger populations are on the rise. A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases noted a significant increase in shingles rates among Americans under 50 over the past sixty years. While the exact reason for this surge remains uncertain, stress is believed to be a contributing factor. Dr. Wilbur Chen, an infectious disease physician, noted that shingles can occur in otherwise healthy young adults, potentially triggered by stress.

Ali mentioned that she initially kept her diagnosis private to avoid added stress from public scrutiny while focusing on her recovery. “In fact, stress is likely the reason I got shingles,” she explained.

Seeking Prompt Treatment

A common misconception is that shingles will resolve on its own; this is not the case. Dr. Anne Louise Oaklander emphasizes that a shingles rash warrants immediate medical attention, especially in older adults. Early diagnosis and antiviral treatment can significantly reduce the duration and seriousness of shingles, as well as minimize the risk of complications like long-term pain, vision problems, and even heart issues.

Ali acted quickly, contacting her doctor as soon as she sensed something was amiss. Her early diagnosis allowed her to begin treatment before the rash fully developed. “I am soooo grateful that she diagnosed me early and got me on the proper medication,” she shared.

Vaccination is Key

The CDC recommends that individuals over 60 receive the shingles vaccine, regardless of past chickenpox infection. Dr. Oaklander states that the vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles by about half and can diminish the likelihood of severe complications.

Ali’s intention in sharing her story is to raise awareness about shingles affecting younger individuals. As she takes time to focus on her health, she encourages others to share their experiences, fostering support and understanding within the community.

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Summary:

Ali Johnson shared her shingles diagnosis at the age of 36, highlighting the pain and stress associated with the condition. Her story underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. Furthermore, she encourages others to speak out about their experiences, raising awareness that shingles can affect individuals much younger than typically expected.