Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for the disease chicken pox. Once a person is infected with the varicella zoster virus, the virus is able to stay dormant in the nervous system and cannot be cleared by the immune system. Consequently, the diseases that can be caused by the varicella-zoster virus can strike at any time.
Chickenpox
The first time a person is infected with the varicella zoster virus, he will get chickenpox. Chickenpox is a common childhood disorder which is notable for the development of small red skin lesions that blister and itch, and ultimately turn into scabs, notes the "Journal of the American Medical Association." These blisters can appear on the face, trunk and scalp, and typically last for between 5 and 10 days. Chickenpox also can cause a fever and a headache. Chickenpox is usually the first sign of contraction of the varicella-zoster virus, and can be caught via skin-to-skin contact with a person with open chickenpox sores, or from breathing in droplets of mucus from an infected person's coughing or sneezing. The virus is also contagious for 1 or 2 days before any of the symptoms appear.
Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection that occurs if the dormant varicella-zoster virus becomes reactivated in the body, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. This occurs in approximately 20 percent of all people who have contracted chickenpox. Shingles can initially cause an itchy or burning rash, or extreme skin sensitivity that typically only affects one part of the body. These early symptoms are soon followed by clusters of blisters which can last for 2 to 3 weeks. The blisters are usually very painful and may require prescription painkillers to help control the pain. The blisters are initially clear, but then turn yellow or bloody before they crust over and turn into scabs. Shingles most commonly affects the trunk and buttocks, but can affect any part of the body. If the blisters affect the eyes, treatment is necessary because the blistering can result in permanent eye damage.
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Post-herpetic neuralgia is a condition which can occur after a shingles outbreak, notes MayoClinic.com. With post-herpetic neuralgia, the shingles outbreak causes inflammation of nerve fibers, resulting in severe and chronic pain which can make sleeping and eating difficult. It can also result in extreme sensitivity of the affected areas or paralysis of nearby muscles. Postherpetic neuralgia, like all kinds of neuropathic pain, can be very difficult to treat, and may require narcotic pain relievers, lidocaine patches, antidepressants and anticonvulsant medications for effective pain management.
