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.
In most cases the infection lasts about two weeks. When the crust layer has formed over the blisters, the infection is no longer contagious. However, if anyone has not yet contracted chickenpox and is exposed to an active shingles infection, they are at a high risk of getting 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.
For reasons not yet known to scientists, African Americans have shown a lower incidence of shingles than Caucasians.
Initially, the pain is the first inclination of a shingles attack due to damage to the nerve, and occurs in the area where the virus has been hibernating, but the rash may not yet have come to the skin's surface. Other symptoms may include those resembling the flu, such as fever, chills, and headache.
The severity of the pain can run mild to unbearable and is followed by a rash that is slower to progress than chickenpox. The most common areas of the body for this disease include the abdomen and chest and are usually only on one side. The rash will typically follow a pattern of the affected nerve or dermatomal pattern.
An often seen complication of herpes zoster (shingles) is PHN, or postherpetic neuralgia which is a painful aftermath of shingles that can last for months or years. Bacterial infections of the blisters are also a complication related issue. Keeping these blisters as clean as possible will usually circumvent this occurrence.
As we age our immune system falters, thus making us vulnerable to zoster infections. In addition, it is not just the elderly at risk, anyone having HIV/AIDS, cancer or an organ transplant has a diminished immune system and is highly vulnerable. Anyone who has had chickenpox, including children has the potential for contracting shingles later on in life.
Laboratory tests will confirm a diagnosis of shingles as well as its common 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.
In most cases the infection lasts about two weeks. When the crust layer has formed over the blisters, the infection is no longer contagious. However, if anyone has not yet contracted chickenpox and is exposed to an active shingles infection, they are at a high risk of getting 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.
For reasons not yet known to scientists, African Americans have shown a lower incidence of shingles than Caucasians.
Initially, the pain is the first inclination of a shingles attack due to damage to the nerve, and occurs in the area where the virus has been hibernating, but the rash may not yet have come to the skin's surface. Other symptoms may include those resembling the flu, such as fever, chills, and headache.
The severity of the pain can run mild to unbearable and is followed by a rash that is slower to progress than chickenpox. The most common areas of the body for this disease include the abdomen and chest and are usually only on one side. The rash will typically follow a pattern of the affected nerve or dermatomal pattern.
An often seen complication of herpes zoster (shingles) is PHN, or postherpetic neuralgia which is a painful aftermath of shingles that can last for months or years. Bacterial infections of the blisters are also a complication related issue. Keeping these blisters as clean as possible will usually circumvent this occurrence.
As we age our immune system falters, thus making us vulnerable to zoster infections. In addition, it is not just the elderly at risk, anyone having HIV/AIDS, cancer or an organ transplant has a diminished immune system and is highly vulnerable. Anyone who has had chickenpox, including children has the potential for contracting shingles later on in life.
Laboratory tests will confirm a diagnosis of shingles as well as its common 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.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who is passionate about writing and sharing her knowledge. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where she shares about Shingles Vaccine Information and Shingles Prevention Postherpetic Neuralgia.
