Chickenpox and Shingles

Chickenpox and shingles are two common contagious viral infections caused by the virus “Varicella Zoster Virus.” It is a member of the Herpes virus family. There has been a link between both viral infections since it is believed that you will not acquire shingles if you have not been affected by chickenpox. 

Chickenpox is a painful condition that leads to rashes and blisters all over your body, while shingles (herpes) appear unilaterally (only on one side of your body). After a painful episode of chickenpox, the virus may remain dormant in your nervous system and can activate to develop shingles.  

This informative blog will explore chickenpox and shingles in detail, explaining the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment. 

What is Chicken Pox?

Chickenpox is a common viral infection that causes an itchy, blister-like skin rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. Children are the most susceptible to getting chickenpox; however, you can get it as an adult, too. The most interesting part of this viral infection is that once you have had chickenpox, you will not contract it again. The rash begins on the face, trunk, chest, and back and spreads to the rest of your body.  

Children receive vaccines as a part of their vaccination schedule for chickenpox, making it less prevalent. 

There are three noticeable stages of chickenpox, namely:

• Stage 1: Characterized by red bumpy rashes that may last a few days.
• Stage 2: Characterized by fluid-filled blister rashes that break open after 1 to 2 days.
• Stage 3: Characterized by the presence of blister scabs that also last a few days. 

Risk Factors

Though anyone can get chickenpox once in their lifetime, the following risk factors can make you more prone:

• Being a child below ten years of age
• Specific seasons, such as winter and spring 
• Coming in contact with an infected person 
• Failure to receive a vaccine  

Symptoms

Symptoms of chickenpox may include:

• Mild or low-grade fever
• Itchy skin rash that may appear as tiny blisters
• Bumps filled with liquid that may look like milky water 
• Stomach ache
• Headache 
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Scabs when the blister breaks open 
• Skin may appear rough and blotchy 

Treatment 

Chickenpox does not require any specific treatment since the infection will resolve on its own in a week or two. However, you may require symptomatic relief for an itchy rash through the following:

• Take plenty of rest
• Hydrate yourself well
• Press a cool, moist cloth on the rash
• Do not scratch your skin; encourage your children to refrain from scratching
• Use a lotion consisting of antihistamines to reduce itching and burning sensation 
• Take a cool shower every day, and pay dry instead of rubbing yourself with a towel 
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet  

Complications 

Though complications are rare, they may include the following:

• Bacterial infections
• Reye’s syndrome or encephalitis
• Pneumonia 
• Dehydration
• Clotting problem
• Liver problems  

What are Shingles? 

Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. You may develop painful skin rashes that may appear as tiny blisters. These develop in one area (unilateral) of your body as a band of blisters. Shingles reactivate the varicella-zoster virus in adulthood, which remains dominant for years after an episode of chickenpox in childhood. However, unlike chickenpox, you can get shingles more than once.  

Risk Factors

You are more susceptible to developing shingles due to the following risk factors:

• History of chickenpox infection 
• Weakened immune system as seen in cancer, AIDs, diabetes, asthma, or autoimmune disorders like lupus 
• Over the age of 50
• Having a chronic illness
• History of past trauma 
• Being mentally and emotionally stressed out  

Symptoms 

Early symptoms include: 

• Low-grade fever 
• Body pain and chills
• Headache 
• Having an upset stomach
• Sensitivity to light 
• Irritability and tiredness

 Advanced symptoms include: 

• An itching, tingling, or burning sensation in an area of your body 
• Skin discoloration (mostly red) around the affected area 
• Presence of raised rashes on one area of your body
• Fluid-filled blisters that break open and form scabs
• Mild to severe pain in the affected area, especially after weeks or months- Postherpetic neuralgia 

Treatment 

There is no definite cure for shingles, but certain treatments can help manage symptoms. These include: 

• Antiviral medications: Help manage pain and discomfort associated with shingles. 
• Painkillers: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen help reduce pain. 
• Other drugs 
  • Antibacterial medicines may be prescribed to treat bacterial infection arising from a shingle rash 
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisolone may be helpful if shingles affect your eyes or face
  • Topical anesthetic creams like lidocaine used to relieve pain 

Complications

Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of shingles since the virus can damage the central nervous system. 

Other complications include:

• Bacterial infection
• Persistent numbness and itching in the affected area 
• Eye and ear inflammation  

Takeaway 

Varicella zoster, belonging to the Herpes virus family, causes chickenpox and shingles. Both conditions are contagious infections that cause painful rashes that may become fluid-filled blisters. These break open to form scabs. Chickenpox rash commonly occurs in children. It appears on the face, trunk, back, and chest and gradually spreads to other body parts. Shingles usually affect adults with a rash that usually appears on the waistline on one side as a band or cluster of blisters. 

Shingles is considered to be a reactivation of the virus that remains dormant in your nervous system after an outbreak of chickenpox. You may not need any treatment for chickenpox except for a few tips for symptomatic relief, whereas shingles may require antiviral, antibacterial, or anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms.  

If you notice a rash accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, or lethargy, consult your doctor right away for further evaluation. Based on your age and the area of your body affected, your doctor can come to a definite conclusion about the cause and offer a comprehensive approach to treating the condition.  

FAQs

1. Why do shingles mostly appear on one side or only in one area of the body?

The varicella-zoster virus tends to travel through specific nerves. Thus, shingles often occur in a band on one side of the body. The band corresponds to the area where the nerve transmits signals. 

2. Why does chickenpox develop only once?

Most often, getting chickenpox, especially during childhood, once provides immunity for life. However, the virus may get reactivated in adulthood in the form of shingles.