Does Chickenpox Cause Shingles? (Updated 2024)

This article was updated: 03.01.24

Shingles and chickenpox are two diseases that are caused by the same virus, known as varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Chickenpox is a common viral illness that affects children, while shingles is a painful rash that usually affects adults.

Many people wonder if chickenpox can cause shingles, and the answer is yes. 

In this article, we will explore the relationship between chickenpox and shingles, including the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of both diseases.

Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, but they are different diseases.

Chickenpox is a common childhood illness that usually goes away on its own, while shingles is a painful rash that can occur in adults who have had chickenpox before.

In this article, we will explore the relationship between chickenpox and shingles, including the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of both diseases.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a viral infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is a common childhood illness that usually occurs in children under the age of 10.

The symptoms of chickenpox include a fever, headache, and a rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.

The rash starts as small red bumps that turn into fluid-filled blisters. After a few days, the blisters start to dry out and form scabs, which eventually fall off.

Related: When Can My Child Go Back To School After Chickenpox?

What is shingles?

Shingles is a painful rash that is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in adults who have had chickenpox before.

The symptoms of shingles include a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body, along with a fever, headache, and chills.

The rash starts as small red bumps that turn into fluid-filled blisters. After a few days, the blisters start to dry out and form scabs, which eventually fall off.

How are chickenpox and shingles related?

Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in their body.

Later in life, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. Not everyone who has had chickenpox will develop shingles, but the risk increases with age.

How does chickenpox cause shingles?

When a person gets chickenpox, their body develops immunity to the virus. However, the virus remains dormant in their body and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles.

The exact reason why the virus reactivates is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a weakened immune system, stress, or aging.

Who is at risk for shingles?

Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, but the risk increases with age.

People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop shingles than younger people. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing 

shingles include having a weakened immune system, being under stress, or having certain medical conditions such as cancer or HIV.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

The symptoms of shingles include a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body, along with a fever, headache, and chills.

The rash starts as small red bumps that turn into fluid-filled blisters.

After a few days, the blisters start to dry out and form scabs, which eventually fall off. Some people may also experience itching, tingling, or burning in the affected area before the rash appears.

How is shingles diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can usually diagnose shingles based on the appearance of the rash and the symptoms that a person is experiencing.

In some cases, they may take a sample of the fluid from the blisters and test it to confirm the diagnosis.

What is the treatment for shingles?

There is no cure for shingles, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms and speed up the healing process.

Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, can help reduce the severity of the rash and shorten the duration of the illness.

Pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve the pain associated with shingles.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may also prescribe a topical cream or ointment to help soothe the rash.

Can shingles be prevented?

There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing shingles. The most effective way is to get vaccinated against the varicella-zoster virus.

The vaccine, which is called the shingles vaccine or Zostavax, is recommended for people over the age of 50.

It is also recommended for people who have had chickenpox before but have not yet been vaccinated.

Other ways to prevent shingles include maintaining a healthy immune system, managing stress, and avoiding contact with people who have chickenpox or shingles.

What is the chickenpox vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine is a vaccine that helps protect against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox.

It is recommended for children between the ages of 12 months and 12 years who have not yet had chickenpox.

How effective is the chickenpox vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine is very effective at preventing chickenpox.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccine is about 90% effective after two doses.

Can you get shingles if you've had the chickenpox vaccine?

It is possible to get shingles after getting the chickenpox vaccine, but it is less common than getting shingles after having chickenpox.

The vaccine can help reduce the risk of developing shingles by boosting the body's immunity to the varicella-zoster virus.

Latest Advancements In Shingles Research And Treatment Options

Shingles has a variety of treatment options, including antiviral drugs, pain management medications, and topical remedies.

Among the antiviral drugs used to combat shingles are acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These drugs are most effective when administered promptly after the onset of the rash, as they can mitigate the duration and intensity of the disease (123).

Pain management can be achieved through over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications, which can alleviate the discomfort caused by shingles. Topical treatments, such as capsaicin patches or numbing agents, can also be used to soothe itching and pain.

In the realm of shingles research, there have been significant advancements. One notable development is the creation of a recombinant zoster vaccine, Shingrix, which is recommended for the prevention of shingles and its associated complications. This vaccine has proven to be more effective and cost-efficient than its predecessors, particularly for individuals aged 50 and above.

Furthermore, recent studies have explored the potential of antiviral therapy to alleviate zoster pain, even when initiated beyond the conventional 72-hour window.

Potential Complications, Long-term Effects, And Postherpetic Neuralgia Associated With Shingles

Shingles can cause several complications, some of which can be long-lasting and severe.

Here are some of the potential complications, long-term effects, and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) associated with shingles:

Complications:

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): This is the most common complication of shingles and is characterised by long-term nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash has healed (123).
• Eye problems: If shingles affects the eye or the area around it, it can lead to serious eye problems, including vision loss, sensitivity to light, eyelid swelling, glaucoma, and corneal inflammation (13).
• Ear problems: Shingles can cause severe pain in the ear, vertigo, difficulty maintaining balance, and hearing loss (4).
• Serious illness: Although rare, shingles can lead to serious illness, such as pneumonia or brain inflammation (12).

Long-term effects:

• Long-term pain: Some people may experience pain that lasts for three months or longer after the rash has healed (5).
• Sensitivity to touch: Shingles can cause sensitivity to touch, which can be long-lasting (5).
• Itching: Itching is a common symptom of shingles and can persist after the rash has healed (5).
• Fatigue: Shingles can cause fatigue, which can last for several weeks (5).
• Depression: Some people may experience depression as a result of the pain and discomfort caused by shingles (5).

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN):

• PHN is the most common complication of shingles and is characterised by long-term nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash has healed (123).
• PHN can be difficult to treat and may require a combination of medications and other therapies, such as nerve blocks or physical therapy (13).

The risk of developing PHN increases with age and is higher in people who experience severe pain during the acute phase of shingles (13).

Conclusion

In conclusion, chickenpox and shingles are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in their body and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles.

While there is no cure for shingles, there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms and speed up the healing process.

The most effective way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated against the varicella-zoster virus.

FAQs

Can you get shingles without having had chickenpox?

No, shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

How long does shingles last?

Shingles usually lasts for 2-4 weeks, but some people may experience long-lasting pain even after the rash has healed. This is known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Can you spread shingles to other people?

While it is rare, it is possible to spread the varicella-zoster virus to other people if they come into contact with the fluid from the blisters.

Can you get shingles more than once?

Yes, it is possible to get shingles more than once, although it is not common.

Is shingles contagious?

Shingles is contagious, but only to people who have not had chickenpox before. If someone who has not had chickenpox comes into contact with the fluid from the blisters, they can develop chickenpox, but not shingles.