How is chickenpox connected to shingles?

If you've ever had chickenpox, you're at risk of developing shingles later in life. Learn how chickenpox and shingles are related. read more

Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by the same virus: the varicella-zoster virus. In some people who have had chickenpox, the virus can become active again later in life and cause shingles. You can't catch shingles from someone else. read more

However, in some cases the shingles rash can be widespread. Before the rash appears, people may have nerve symptoms of pain, itching, burning, or tingling. The rash has blisters that scab over in about a week. Although shingles isn’t contagious, the virus can spread to others and can cause chickenpox. read more

Further connection between chicken pox and shingles is that a person who has never had chicken pox can contract it if he or she is close proximity to a person who has shingles. And once he or she gets chicken pox, it is possible for him or her to get shingles at a later stage in life. read more

Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus responsible for chicken pox: the varicella zoster virus. Even if you had chicken pox in the past, you can still contract shingles. read more