Smallpox vaccine scars: What they look like and why

have a clear memory of noticing a distinct scar on my mother’s arm when I was a child. It sits high up, close to her shoulder, taking the appearance of what looks like a ring of small indents in her skin around a larger indent.
Don’t ask me why that specifically attracted my attention all those years ago; I don’t remember. I recall only that it did, but as is so often the case, I sort of forgot it existed over the following years.Instead I called my mother, and she revealed that she in fact told me more than once – obviously my brain didn’t deem the answer important enough information to retain – and that her scar had come courtesy of the famous smallpox vaccine.Smallpox is a viral, infectious disease that once terrorized us humans. It causes a significant skin rash and fever, and during the most rampant outbreaks in the 20th century, killed an estimated 3 out of 10 victims according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many other sufferers were left disfigured.

Well, obviously I didn’t forget it existed (it’s still in the same place it always was, of course), but I did forget that at one point in time I was fascinated with what had caused it. Perhaps I asked my mother once and she explained. If she did, though, I forgot that as well.
That was until I helped an elderly woman off of a train one summer a few years back, and I happened to catch sight of the very same scar, in the very same place as my mother’s. Needless to say my interest was piqued, but with the train about to rumble on to my destination, I couldn’t exactly ask her about the origins of her scar.

Related Posts

Celine Dion Faces Rare Illness Forcing Her Break From The Stage

Celine Dion has a rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome (SPS), which has forced her to take a break from performing. The condition causes severe, painful…

Body Acne: 5 tips to get rid of them!

Body acne is an issue for many people. However, there are things you might do to get rid of them once and for all. Ready?

“HE’S STILL FIGHTING.”

  The bright studio lights of Good Morning America have always been filled with laughter — the warm banter, the family-like energy, and Michael Strahan’s booming smile…

WATCH PICTURE BELOW…

Approaching women can be a nerve-wracking experience for many men.However, with the right mindset and approach,it can become an enjoyable and successful endeavor. Here are some techniques…

Donald Trump Gets More Bad News

Trump on Thursday was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding,…

20 Minutes ago in California, Cher was confirmed as…See more

Just 20 minutes ago, devastating news emerged from California as music and film icon Cher was confirmed among the victims of a fatal helicopter crash. Details remain…