Chickenpox vs. Shingles — What's the Difference?

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). The disease results in a characteristic skin rash that forms small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab over.

Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a localized area. Typically the rash occurs in a single, wide stripe either on the left or right side of the body or face.

An acute contagious disease, primarily of children, that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and characterized by skin eruptions, slight fever, and malaise. Also called varicella.

Herpes zoster, caused by Human herpes virus 3, in genus Varicellovirus.

Alternative form of chicken pox

A kind of herpes (Herpes zoster) which spreads half way around the body like a girdle, and is usually attended with violent neuralgic pain.

An acute contagious disease caused by herpes varicella zoster virus; causes a rash of vesicles on the face and body

Eruptions along a nerve path often accompanied by severe neuralgia