The varicella&#x2d;zoster virus is the cause of both shingles and chickenpox. Once a chickenpox infection runs its course, the virus goes dormant but can reactivate later in life, producing shingles in people who have had chickenpox earlier in their life.

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Varicella zoster virus vaccine

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Mayo Clinic

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Johns Hopkins

Journal of General Virology

Shingles is a condition that occurs in some people who have had Chickenpox. Both of these conditions are caused by the Varicella Zoster virus (VZV). After a Chickenpox infection, the virus does not go away. Instead, it travels from the skin via nerves to a bundle of nerve tissue near the spine. There the virus remains inactive and is asymptomatic until circumstances cause the virus to be reactivated. Shingles is very common, but not everyone who has had Chickenpox gets it. You are at increased risk of getting Shingles if your immune system is suppressed (lowered).

The primary symptom of Shingles is a painful skin rash. Typically, it will be located on one side of the body in a linear distribution or on the face. The rash may be preceded by tingling, itching, or pain, followed by blisters that scab over within a few days then disappear.

Antiviral medication may be taken early in the course of the illness to reduce its length and severity. Treatment can also include pain medication and remedies such as Calamine lotion to alleviate the itching.

Conditions

"Condition" is a general term for particular abnormal diseases that negatively affect a part or all of the body. Conditions are not due to any external injury. Therefore, a broken bone does not classify as a condition, whereas Herpes, OCD, Shingles, and Ulcers do.

Medical conditions are classified by specific symptoms and signs. While each person's experiences can vary, there are consistent signs and symptoms that doctors will look for when diagnosing their patients. We always recommend that people seek a professional diagnosis. Afterward, supplement medical advice and opinion with accurate and easy to read information.

Most people only spend an average of a couple minutes with their doctor during a checkup. Oftentimes patients don't receive the fullest explanation of their diagnosis. Easily search through the vast amount of articles that Facty Health offers for ones that address your specific needs. From there, allow us to help you with those unanswered questions.

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