Chickenpox and Shingles: Skin Care, Itch Relief and Scars
Chickenpox and shingles come from the same virus. Gentle skin care, no scratching and early medical advice help reduce complications and scars.
Condition guide
Chickenpox and shingles
Also known as Chhoti mata, Varicella, Herpes zoster, Shingles.
In short
Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by the varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox is the first infection and causes itchy blisters in crops all over the body, while shingles is the same virus waking up years later and causing a painful band of blisters on one side of the body. Gentle skin care and not scratching help reduce scars, and shingles should be seen by a doctor early because treatment works best in the first few days.
Typical signs
- Red spots that turn into itchy, fluid filled blisters and then crust over
- New spots appearing in crops over a few days, often with mild fever
- Pain, burning or tingling on one side of the body before a rash appears
- A band of clustered blisters on one side of the chest, back, waist or face
When to see a dermatologist
- You suspect shingles, especially within the first 3 days of the rash
- Shingles affects the forehead, eye, eyelid or tip of the nose
- Chickenpox occurs in an adult, a pregnant woman, a newborn or anyone with low immunity
- Blisters become very red, swollen, painful or filled with pus
- Pain continues after the rash has healed
- Get emergency help at once for breathing difficulty, confusion, seizures, a stiff neck or a very unwell child
Signs vary from person to person and several skin conditions look alike. Only an examination can confirm a diagnosis.
Read the guides
Full, referenced articles on chickenpox and shingles written for Indian skin, with answers to common questions.
Worried about chickenpox and shingles?
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This page is a short summary for general education and does not replace a consultation with a qualified dermatologist. Do not start, stop or change any medicine based on this page. Read the full medical disclaimer.