Even though the rashes look much the same, their causes, treatments, and prevention are different.
This article discusses shingles and poison ivy rashes, focusing on symptoms and key differences.
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Shingles Rash vs.
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Poison Ivy Rash
Though these rashes can look similar, shingles and poison ivy rashes have some distinct differences.
Shingles
Shingles is a reactivation of thevaricella-zoster virusthat causeschickenpox.
Can Shingles Be Everywhere on the Body?
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The poison ivy rash is a form ofcontact dermatitis.
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It occurs in areas of the skin where people are exposed to poison ivy.
A person can also spread the toxic oil from one part of the body to another by scratching.
Therefore, the rash can appear anywhere on the body.
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A poison ivy rash looks like small red bumps and blisters with skin swelling.It is incredibly itchy.
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Overall, shingles is more painful than poison ivy.
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Complications of Shingles
People can develop complications with shingles, the most common beingpostherpetic neuralgia.
Postherpetic neuralgia is chronic pain in the area of the rash.
It is also not as painful as shingles.
Shingles is triggered by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
As a baby or small child, you might have had chickenpox.
The virus stays in your body throughout your lifetime and can reemerge when you are older as shingles.
Typically, people have only one episode of shingles in a lifetime.
Triggers for reactivation includestress, infection, and certain medications.
Anyone who works and plays in outdoor environments can develop poison ivy.
Shingles Vaccination
An effective vaccine,Shingrix, is available to help prevent shingles.
It is recommended for people age 50 and older.
People can manage contact dermatitis from poison ivy at home.
Scratching can lead to infection.
Also, remember that shingles is pretty painful.
If you are unsure about the cause of your rash, it is always wise to seek medical evaluation.
Prevention
Your best chance at preventing shingles is to get vaccinated with the Shingrix vaccine.
However, it’s important to distinguish them since their treatment is very different.
Shingles is a painful rash usually in one area of the body.
It often occurs in people over age 50 and has associated systemic symptoms.
Poison ivy can usually be treated at home without any major medical intervention.
However, if you think you may have shingles, see your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Poisonous plants.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About shingles (herpes zoster).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles vaccination.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: how to treat the rash.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.
