Can chickenpox cause shingles?

Chickenpox and shingles come from the same virus. After chickenpox settles, the virus can stay quiet in nerve tissue rather than leaving the body. A later reactivation can travel along a nerve and produce shingles, also called herpes zoster. This is not a second episode of chickenpox, and a person cannot catch shingles directly from someone else’s shingles rash.

Shingles often begins with burning, tingling, itching, or sensitivity in one area, followed by a stripe or patch of blisters on one side of the body. The rash may be near the chest, back, face, or eye, and discomfort can be stronger than the visible skin changes suggest.

Contact a clinician promptly if a one-sided painful or blistering rash appears, because treatment is time-sensitive and works best when started early. Keep the rash clean and covered, avoid scratching, and wash your hands after touching it. Until the blisters have crusted, avoid close contact between the rash and people who are pregnant, newborn, or have a weakened immune system, especially if they have not had chickenpox or vaccination.

Seek urgent medical advice for a rash on the face, nose, or around an eye; changes in vision; severe headache; confusion; weakness; or widespread blistering. These features can signal involvement of important nerves or a more extensive illness. Get prompt assessment as well if you have reduced immunity, are pregnant, or feel significantly unwell.

Ask whether the rash fits shingles, when treatment should begin, how to protect household contacts, and what pain-relief options are appropriate for you. If the rash is near an eye, ask whether an eye specialist needs to assess it.