The varicella-zoster virus (also called herpes zoster), the same virus that causes chicken pox, can cause a viral infection called shingles. If you have had chicken pox, the virus can lay dormant for years and then become activates as shingles, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Causes
The varicella-zoster virus causes shingles, and the virus can be contagious if an infected person with shingles comes into contact with someone who has never had the chicken pox, the Mayo Clinic reports. The cause for the reactivation of the dormant virus is not known, but it is thought to be related to a lowered immune system.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for having shingles include: having had chicken pox in the past, a weakened immune system, and being over the age of 50 years old, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
Symptoms of shingles typically do not involve the whole body; it usually occurs on a small part of one side of the body. It may look like a red rash or blisters that break open; or you may have itching, pain, numbness or tingling, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some individuals also have fever, fatigue and body aches.
Treatment
Shingles is typically treated with antiviral medicine; this helps lessen the intensity of your symptoms and reduces the duration of symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. These include acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Post-Shingles
Approximately one in five people will have pain from shingles after the rash has faded; this is called postherpetic neuralgia, AAFP reports. Over-the-counter medications and prescription creams are used to help treat this condition.
