Shingles and chickenpox are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus. In about 10 percent of individuals who have had chickenpox, the virus reactivates years later as herpes zoster or shingles, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The cause is unknown but it occurs most often in people over the age of 50 and in those with immune systems weakened by cancer, medication, human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Treatment includes antiviral medications, rest and prevention of infection. There is no cure for shingles but a vaccine is available to prevent it.
Chills and Fever
Some patients complain of chills, fever, nausea, diarrhea or problems with urination before the pain and rash develop, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. In those patients who develop these symptoms,pain follows 2 to 3 days later.
Pain
In most cases, the first symptom to appear is a severe, one-sided tingling or burning pain, notes the American Academy of Family Physicians. The pain may continue for as long as 1 to 2 months after the other symptoms disappear, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Rash
Shingles causes red patches on the skin that turn into blisters several days later, notes the AAFP. The blisters contain the varicella-zoster virus that can cause chickenpox in susceptible people, according to the Merck Manuals. Approximately 5 days later, the blisters break and form crusts that fall off in 2 to 3 weeks. The rash, which can be very painful, normally spreads in a narrow area from the spine around to the belly or chest. Scarring rarely occurs but the blisters may leave permanent skin color changes. Patients with immune system disorders may have large or persistent rashes that can become infected.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Most patients recover without permanent complications or recurrences. In patients over the age of 60, however, shingles may damage the nerve fibers, causing a condition called postherpetic neuralgia that is characterized by excruciating pain, itching, numbness and sensitivity to light touch that may last for years, according to the Merck Manuals. Rarely, the patient may develop weakness or paralysis as well.
Facial Symptoms
If shingles involves the face, the patient may experience pain, facial paralysis and hearing loss, according to the Merck Manuals. Involvement of the eye—herpes zoster ophthalmicus--can damage vision and cause glaucoma, a condition that may cause blindness, notes NIH.
