Herpes, Shingles and Chickenpox - Know The Subtle Differences

Herpes, shingles and chickenpox are commonly interchanged words

, since they are related to each other. Shingles is actually herpes zoster, a kind of skin condition which comes from the virus which caused chickenpox in a person.

Herpes shingles is common in adults, specifically in those aged 60 and above. It causes the skin to develop rashes which are painful and irritating. It is caused by the same virus which caused chickenpox in the person. This virus stays in the body and comes back as shingles. It can therefore not be passed from one person to another who already had chickenpox.

However, it can be passed to a person which never had chickenpox yet. The affected person will not develop shingles though, but instead will have chickenpox. He or she can only develop shingles once the virus has become dormant in his body and is reactivated.

Shingles is characterized by painful rashes which are usually seen on one side of the body only. The rashes usually take a striped pattern. This results from the way the virus travels in the body. It moves from one nerve to another, therefore creating web-like patterns in stripes.

The condition can last from as short as two weeks up to a month. Although it cannot be cured, there are certain measures that can be taken to minimize the pain and prevent the virus from further spreading in the body. You can also take a one-time vaccine to protect yourself from developing shingles.

You have to take note, however, that shingles cannot be cured by taking the vaccine. And although it can protect you from developing it, the virus can still reactivate, although at a milder and more controlled state. When taking the vaccine, it is important that you seek advice from your doctor first. It can be dangerous to pregnant women, or those who are trying to get pregnant.

It contains a small amount of the virus which causes chickenpox, and can affect other people who come in contact with you. If you would need to get close to children, it is best to ask your doctor about the necessary precautions you can take to deal with the vaccine.

As soon as you develop the first symptoms of shingles, go to your doctor and act upon it as soon as possible. Although the virus cannot be cured, you can hasten your body's fight against it and prevent yourself from pain and discomfort.

Herpes, Shingles and Chickenpox - Know The Subtle Differences

By: Barb Hicks - Clivir Team

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