What disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus?

The disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus is indeed shingles. This virus is part of the herpes virus family and is responsible for two distinct conditions depending on the stage of the infection. Initially, when a person is first infected with the varicella-zoster virus, it leads to chickenpox, primarily characterized by its itchy rash and flu-like symptoms. After recovery, the virus can remain dormant in the body and may reactivate later in life, leading to shingles.

Shingles presents with a painful rash, often in a band-like pattern, typically on one side of the body. This reactivation usually occurs when the immune system is weakened due to stress, illness, or aging, making shingles distinct from the initial chickenpox infection. Understanding the relationship between chickenpox and shingles is crucial for estheticians, as knowledge of viral infections can impact treatment decisions and client safety in a skincare setting.