I assume almost every one of us would have passed through a phase of chicken pox that is itchy and painful at times. However, during those years of our lives, we just were too young to understand to care about the difference between chicken pox and shingles. Today we are going to talk about shingles in children, even though we have stated that shingles are usually found amongst adults, or older people, there are times when shingles in children are also found.

Shingles in children is no different as to the adults, as we all know that shingles comes from the Zoster virus, which is the same virus from which we tend to get chicken pox from. We have a misconception that shingles only occur on adult bodies, however, they do not understand is that shingles is a skin disease, which can happen to anyone, the only difference is that for people who never ever had chicken pox in their lives, would have chicken pox if infected by shingle virus Varicella zoster.  The Varicella zoster is a virus that is said to be sleeping in the human body after the healing of chicken pox. It does not completely go away from the body, rather it tends to hibernate in the body and reactivates itself when it has been triggered. It is the same case as of a machine, you switch it off and as soon as you push the start button, it starts working its way out.

Even though it has been found that shingles usually in fact rarely effects children of three years old or below. This is common send because usually during this age, they tend to go through the phase of chicken pox and shingles could and will only take into effect after the child has had chicken pox. However, it is also important to know that shingles can also be caused due to illness and a weak immune system.

Talking about the symptoms of shingles in children, it is no different at all. In fact, children tend to be in more pain as compared to adults, just because they are more sensitive. Children who are going through the problem with shingles tend to face the same symptoms of chills along with fever of 105 f. Then again; you will find children having problems with their digestive systems and have a lose stomach.  Headaches can become a major source and problem for parents as well as the children. Since children are very sensitive, it is very hard for them to bare the pain associated with shingles yet again talk about the pain the blisters are going to cause them.  In addition to all these problems, another very common symptom for shingles in children is that of vomiting. Children who are infected with shingles tend to go through the problem of nausea and vomiting. This might occur a few days before the rashes actually appear on the skin.

Talking about symptoms, we would never forget the physical symptoms associated with shingles that are the rashes and the blisters itself. Initially, during the starting few days, on one side of the body, the child would face rashes and red bumps. These would be very itchy and children would be prone to scratch them. Even though it is not recommended. However, as time passes by usually in a matter of two to three days, these red bumps turn into blisters. These are no ordinary blisters, but they tend to have water and puss in them. These rashes usually would be found in the upper body the most; rarely would you find these blisters on hands, arms, face and the lower body. That does not mean that it shingle blisters do not apply at these places. As itchy as it can be, it can be as painful as it can be also. Moreover, there are certain cases where the child does not feel ill, sick or feverish.

Unlike chicken pox that might take months to weeks for it to heel, shingles in children usually tend to take ten to fourteen days to clean up. This is a lesser amount of time as compared to the weeks and months it takes to heal when it comes to adults. However, shingles should never be taken lightly, people should keep in mind that one should never use random medications when it comes to children, it is always good to get it checked by a specialist for medication or any serious conditions.

Even though shingles is not a serious disease, it is contagious, thus, parents need to make sure that they keep their children on house quarantine so that other children do not get them. Since we know that research is still going on when it comes to shingles, and people still have not realized as to what actually causes a trigger to the virus. Then again, it is also important to know that they only thing one can do is to treat the symptoms associated with shingles as no proper medication or vaccines have been produced as of yet as a cure for the disease.

It is very important to understand that children are sensitive human beings, and a lot of care is required when it comes to then getting shingles. First, keep in mind you use mild medications for their treatments; then again, it is important that you keep an eye on them. Kids have a habit to fidget a lot, this can become a huge problem, as the itchiness would cause them to rub the blisters and tear them open that is never recommended. The water from the blister would cause further spreading of the disease not only on their skin but also infecting others. Thus, it is very important to teach them to patiently wait for the blisters to dry out to actually be able to touch them.  Always keep in mind that shingles is a disease that might occur anywhere in the body and the eyes are no different at all.