Signs and Symptoms of Chickenpox and Shingles
Signs and Symptoms of Chickenpox
The most common sign of chickenpox is a painful, itchy rash with fluid-filled sacs, which would become scabs within 1 week. This rash typically appears first on the chest and then spreads to other parts of the body, such as the mouth, eyelids, face, or back. The varicella zoster virus may also activate the immune system. This would lead to flu-like symptoms 1 or 2 days before the rash, such as headache, fever, loss of appetite, or fatigue. In general, shingles’ symptoms may last anywhere from 4 to 7 days. [5]
Signs and Symptoms of Shingles
Symptoms of shingles are quite similar to those of chickenpox. These may include:
– Rash on the body’s trunk
– Flu-like symptoms, especially fatigue and headache, before the appearance of the rash
– Blisters in one or multiple clusters
– Sensitive skin area where the rash breaks out
– Mild to intense discomfort, itching, or pain
– Vesicles become yellow and start to dry after 7 to 10 days
Those symptoms tend to disappear after 2 to 4 weeks and leave scarring or pigmented skin. [6]
Are Chickenpox and Shingles Contagious?
Chickenpox is a very contagious disease. It may be easily spread from person to person through close contact, especially those who have not been vaccinated or have not had chickenpox. Vaccinated individuals may still get chickenpox, but the risk is very low. On the other hand, shingles are not contagious. It means the condition cannot be spread between people. It only affects those who have a history of chickenpox and have not vaccinated for shingles. [7]
