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: Zoster(Shingles) And Chicken Pox:
Caused By The Same Virus
DEAR DR.PAUL: My 12 year old son developed
shingles last week. How can this happen? Is this the same as chicken
pox? And was he contagious? Thanks.
DR.PAUL ANSWERS: Very good questions!
Chicken pox and shingles are actually caused by the same virus
known as the Varicella Zoster virus. However there are differences
in the way the infection develops and spreads. Also, the chicken
pox form of the infection is far more common in children than
is the shingles(Zoster or Zona) form.
In chicken pox infections, the virus is spread form one person
to another either by direct contact with the actual rash or through
the air by coughing or sneezing, just like a cold. Typically within
2 weeks of exposure to chicken pox, the typical pox rash appears
initially as a red round or oval spot that develops a "blister-like"
center full of yellowish fluid. A child developing chickenpox
is considered to be contagious a couple of days before the rash
actually breaks out. This is why the disease spreads so easily,
as children are contagious before the rash comes out and generally
still attend school or daycare. Once the rash appears, the child
is contagious for about 3 - 5days, or until all of the blisters
have dried or crusted off. Only when all the lesions are crusted
can a child return to school or day care.
Now to answer the shingles or zoster question: For reasons that
are not clear, after a chickenpox infection, the varicella virus
remains in our bodies forever. The virus remains "asleep" in our
nerves. For a variety of reasons, usually in older people or those
with weakened immune systems, the virus appears on the skin again.
However, this time it only comes out in the area that specific
nerve feeds, called a dermatome. It looks like a localized "patch
of varicella blisters". This is called Herpes Zoster or shingles.
Importantly, people who have not yet had chicken pox nor the varicella
vaccination can actually contract the virus and develop typical
chicken pox infection from someone who has shingles. More specifically,
if they come into contact with the little blisters which actually
contain the varicella zoster virus. A person with zoster is considered
contagious for as long as the blisters( or vesicles) have dried
and crusted. Persons who have had chicken pox in the past or have
been vaccinated will be protected, whether they come into contact
with active typical chickenpox or shingles.
As with chicken pox, there is no specific treatment for shingles,
in otherwise healthy individuals. Specifically, for shingles the
main concern is to try to alleviate any related discomfort, pain
or itchiness. However in people with weakened immune systems,
specific antiviral medications and other treatments may be necessary.
Some cases may even require hospitalization.
On a final note, while we usually see shingles in the elderly,
or individuals with weakened immune systems, it can occur in otherwise
normal children too, but much less frequently. |
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designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
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