What Is The Relation Between Herpes Simplex And Shingles?

Posted on Thu, 20 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 Answered on

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Is there a relationship or similarity between herpes simplex and shingles, their causation,symptoms or anything else ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
types of herpes viruses

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Yes, there is a link. Shingles occurs in persons with a previous history of chicken pox.

Chicken pox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. The varicella virus is a TYPE of herpes virus.
There are 9 types of herpes viruses. Varicella zoster is one type (causes chicken pox) , herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 , are two other types of herpes viruses.

In terms of symptoms, herpes simplex 1 usually causes a rash in the area of the mouth and herpes simplex 2 usually causes genital herpes. It is possible, to find herpes simplex 1 in the genital region and herpes 2 in the oral region.

Summary: (1) shingles occurs if there is a previous history of chicken pox
(2)chicken pox caused by varicella zoster virus
(3)varicella zoster is one type of herpes virus
(4)herpes simplex viruses are other types herpes viruses

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar