Chicken Pox & Herpes Zoster are two diseases caused by the same Virus
Varicella Zoster is a very common virus that affects human beings in two different forms at two different periods of their life. The far more common manifestation of this viral infection is Chicken Pox , usually in childhood. The virus, however, can survive in the body and later cause another disease, Herpes Zoster or Shingles. This is a unique infectious disease since it arises from an infection several years ago. However, it also gives rise to doubts and confusion about the contagious nature of infection, and the period when the virus is most likely to spread from a patient.
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| The band like spread of skin rash associated with pain and abnormal sensations is characteristic of Herpes Zoster or Shingles |
Herpes
Zoster or Shingles is a very painful condition caused by the Varicella-Zoster
virus, which manifests with skin rashes, usually limited to a particular area
of the body. It is commonly seen in later part of life or during old age, usually
in periods of stress that disturbs the immunity of the body to hold the virus
in check.
