Both chickenpox and Shingles are caused by the same virus; the VZV virus or varicella zoster virus. These diseases are characterized by the onset of what first looks like pimples surrounded by a red rash. These pimples then explode into seeping, fluid filled painful blisters. Shingles has been described as having an angrier version of the chickenpox.
Generally, the disease runs its course within two weeks. During that time the blisters become crust covered and will most likely leave a scar. When the crust layer has formed on the blister, they are no longer contagious. Anyone who has never contracted chickenpox and is exposed to an active shingles infection is at a high risk for contracting chickenpox.
Amazingly, the VZV virus can remain dormant under the skin for years after having a chickenpox episode. Prescribed medications and other conditions can reactivate the virus and bring on the outbreak of shingles. This disease is highly painful and requires medical help to both treat and manage its symptoms. There are a million cases of shingles in the United States every year.
Reports indicate that African Americans have a low incidence of shingles infection than Caucasians. The exact reason for this is not known.
The very first symptom of shingles is extreme pain in an area where the virus has remained dormant and a rash has not yet surfaced on the skin. Other symptoms to watch for are those similar to the flu. Symptoms such as headache, chills and fever are the most common.
The measurement of pain for shingles can be mild to severe. This pain is then followed by a rash that is typically slower to progress than chickenpox. The disease will generally appear on the abdomen or chest and generally only on one side. The rash will also follow a dermatomal pattern or pattern along the affected nerve.
There is a common complication of shingles or herpes zoster called PHN or postherpetic neuralgia, which is extremely painful and can last for many years. In addition, bacterial infections are common among those afflicted with shingles. That is why it is imperative that the blisters be kept clean.
Our immune system falters as we age, making our body conducive to the development of a zoster infection. A weakened immune system caused by HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplantation can trigger a bout of zoster. Once you have had chickenpox, you can get shingles later in life. Although shingles is thought of as a disease of the elderly, anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles including children.
Shingles is diagnosed by laboratory blood tests, as well as making note of its characteristics, such as appearing on only one side of the body.
The treatments for shingles include antidepression medications, steroids, antiviral medication, antiepileptic medications, analgesics as well as creams and lotions to soothe skin and the painful blisters.