Lastly, the difference between fever blisters and shingles is the type of virus that causes them. Herpes zoster is the medical term for shingles, and it is an infection of the nerves in certain areas of the skin. It causes a painful rash of small, crusting blisters, most often on a strip of skin over the ribs on one side of the body. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chicken pox. It mainly affects people over the age of 50, and the incidence rises with age.
Herpes zoster is also common in people with compromised immune systems.
If you need help diagnosing the type of fever blisters you have, make an appointment with a physician at Primary Care by calling 4-2284, or call your regular family doctor.