When we have chickenpox, the virus that causes it remains in our bodies even after we have recovered. Later, this virus can trigger another infection called shingles, known for a painful rash with blisters.
There are many types of shingles. However, the effects of the most common types are the formation of various blisters, skin rashes and spots such as burns on the skin.
Is Shingles Contagious?
While shingles is more common in people over 50, anyone who has had chickenpox or even has children can get it. Teens are more likely to have it if their immune systems have been weakened due to certain medications or diseases such as cancer or HIV.
Shingles can be transmitted to someone who has never experienced the chickenpox virus. And this can then lead to an outbreak of shingles.
What's the Difference Between Shingles and Chickenpox?
They are caused by the same virus, but shingles and chickenpox are not the same disease. Chickenpox produces hundreds of itchy blisters in children that usually heal within 5 to 7 days. A shingles rash can last for about a month.
How Long Does Shingles Last?
About 40% of people with shingles experience a burning, shooting pain for months or years after the rash goes away. This is called postherpetic neuralgia or PHN.
Shingles Treatment
There's no guarantee you won't get shingles. But a vaccine can reduce your chances by more than 90 percent.
The CDC recommends that healthy adults age 50 and older, as well as immunocompromised people 19 and older, receive two doses of Shingrix vaccine. Vaccines are given 2 to 6 months apart.
Avoid Stress
Stress can weaken your immune system and increase your chances of getting an epidemic. This also makes you get shingles. Many people with shingles experience extreme stress and past trauma. On the other hand, once you have shingles, stress can make your pain worse.
Negative Side Effects of Shingles
Vision Loss
If shingles makes your eye or eyelid red, swollen, or painful, it's called ocular shingles. It can cause blindness in the future.
Infection
If the blisters and redness on your body do not improve or get worse within a few weeks, you may have a bacterial skin infection.
It Can Damage Your Brain
It doesn't happen often, but shingles around your eyes, ears, forehead, or nose can sometimes cause brain swelling, paralyze part of your face, or affect your hearing and balance.
Source: WebMD