Most of us do not remember getting chickenpox as young children, and we should be very grateful for that. Chickenpox is a nasty, itchy, blister-like rash that can spread from your face and chest to encompass the body, generally lasting two weeks.

Unfortunately, the chickenpox virus (Varicella) remains in the body even after recovery and later in life can rear its ugly self again in the form of shingles (Herpes Zoster). Although shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus (to start with), they are not the same illness.

How contagious is it?

Chickenpox (Varicella) is very contagious. The virus can spread by breathing in the viral particles that come from the blisters. It can also be spread by direct contact with the fluid of skin lesions. A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before they get the rash until all their chickenpox blisters have formed scabs.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) cannot be passed from one person to another. Someone with an infectious shingles rash can spread chickenpox if the other person has never had chickenpox. However, someone with shingles will not cause another person to develop shingles.

How can the disease be prevented?

There is a vaccine given to children at one year of age and older healthy adults that can help prevent the chickenpox virus. Otherwise, the best way to prevent the spread is by avoiding infected persons. If you have the virus, avoid contact with others, cover the rash, avoid touching and scratching the rash, and wash your hands often.

Cannabis and shingles research

Although research on cannabis and shingles is extremely limited, there is a long history dating back as far as 1851 (U.S. Pharmacopeia) showing the use of cannabis to manage the symptoms of the condition.

A very small study found that using cannabis as a topical application reduced the nerve pain associated with shingles in 5 of the 8 participants. While other studies, not specifically shingles but neuropathic pain in general, report that there is substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment of chronic pain including neuropathic pain.

What we do know

Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) works to help with several processes including how we perceive pain. The ECS consists of fatty-based neurotransmitters that include anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These endocannabinoids can be increased or decreased in our bodies and serve a variety of medical purposes by binding to cannabinoid receptors CB1, CB2, and transient receptor potential or TRP receptors.

The skin contains large amounts of cannabinoid receptors as well as AEA in the primary skin cell, skin nerve fibers, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous (oil) glands. And because of the ECS presence in the skin, it is a great target for treating itching (pruritis), eczema, acne, epidermolysis bullosa, skin cancer, and more.

So, what does this mean? This means that these receptors play a role in reducing pain in the nerves of the skin as well as reducing inflammation.

When our ECS is functioning correctly, our internal cannabinoids activate CB1 receptors when needed to reduce pain signals and our perception of pain. By stimulating CB2 receptors, we are also reducing pain signaling that is present in nerve fibers and sensory neurons. This is relevant because CB1 and CB2 receptors are present in the nerves that are malfunctioning causing pain. So, by stimulating these receptors we can make an impact on neuropathic pain.