Shingles & Lyme Disease

Shingles is an infection caused by the virus which also causes chicken pox. It usually appears on one side of your torso and can be painful. Lyme disease is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria from tick bites. Both conditions have some similar symptoms but different treatments.

Shared Symptoms

• Shared symptoms of shingles and Lyme disease include fever, chills, itching, fatigue, headache, and a red rash.

Shingles Symptoms

• Other symptoms of shingles include a general achy feeling; blisters full of fluid which open and get crusty; and pain, burning, tingling and numbness in the affected area.

Lyme Symptoms

• Other symptoms of Lyme disease include muscle pain, stiffness in the neck, inflammation of joints and strange or unusual behavior.

Diagnosis

• A physical exam and blood tests are used to diagnose Lyme disease. Shingles is diagnosed by a physical examination and a tissue sample from the blisters which is examined in a lab.

Treatment

• Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat Lyme disease. Shingle is treated with antiviral drugs such as Valtrex and prescription medicines to treat severe pain.