The virus remains in your body after you have recovered from chickenpox (varicella) and can occasionally reactivate (restore (something) to a state of activity) years later to cause shingles, a reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body, causing blisters filled with fluid and a painful rash. A shingles (a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash) outbreak known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) affects the facial nerve (facial nerve is a pathway from your brain to certain muscles in your face) next to one of your ears.

Similarity

Both Ramsay hunt syndrome and shingles are caused by the same virus – varicella-zoster virus 

Ramsay hunt syndrome

It is also termed as herpes zoster oticus or geniculate ganglion herpes zoster. It happens when an outbreak of shingles (reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body) damages the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) next to one of your ears. Ramsay Hunt syndrome can result in facial paralysis (the paralysis of any structures innervated by the facial nerve) and hearing loss in the afflicted ear in addition to the excruciating shingles outbreak.

Shingles

It is an outbreak of the chickenpox virus that results in a painful rash. Chickenpox (varicella) sufferers are more likely to acquire shingles. What causes the virus to reactivate is unknown. The painful rash that shingles (a painful rash that develops on one side of the face, body or head) causes may resemble a band of blisters on the body. Post-herpetic neuralgia (a lasting pain in the areas of your skin where you had shingles) is the medical term for the pain that might linger even after the rash has subsided.

Painkillers and antiviral drugs like aciclovir or valaciclovir are used as treatments. The chance of acquiring shingles (reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body) can be reduced by receiving a chickenpox vaccine as a kid or a shingles vaccine as an adult.

Difference between Ramsay hunt syndrome and shingles

Definition

Ramsay hunt syndrome

When the facial nerve (facial nerve is a pathway from your brain to certain muscles in your face) next to one of your ears is impacted by shingles, Ramsay Hunt syndrome (also known as herpes zoster oticus) develops. Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) can result in facial paralysis (a common problem that involves the paralysis of any structures innervated by the facial nerve) and hearing loss in the afflicted ear in addition to the excruciating shingles outbreak.

Shingles

Also termed as herpes zoster, it is an outbreak (reactivation) of the chickenpox virus that results in a painful rash.

Chickenpox sufferers are more likely to acquire shingles. The trigger of the virus reactivation is unknown. The painful rash that shingles causes may resemble a band of blisters on the body. Post-herpetic neuralgia is the medical term for the pain that might linger even after the rash has subsided.

Symptoms

Ramsay hunt syndrome

• Near the ear – a painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters 
• Facial weakness
• Hearing loss
• Difficulty closing one eye
• Dry mouth and eyes

Shingles

• Oversensitivity or pins and needles
• Burning sensation
• Fatigue
• Itching
• Ulcers
• Redness

Summary

The points of difference between Ramsay hunt syndrome and shingles have been summarized as below:

FAQ:

Is Ramsey syndrome the same as shingles?

Ramsey hunt syndrome is a shingles outbreak

Does the shingles vaccine protect against Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

The varicella-zoster virus that is responsible for causing Ramsay Hunt syndrome is the virus that also is responsible for causing shingles. 

How do you know if you have shingles in your ear?

A searing ache beneath the skin is the first indication of shingles in the ear. This is detectable days before the recognisable blisters appear. Additionally, the area of skin that is affected by the condition may become itchy and hypersensitive, and the individual who has it frequently has fatigue and a fever.

What does shingles in the ear look like?

You might notice pink or red blotchy (blemished) patches on one side of your body when the rash first appears. Along neural routes (connects one part of the nervous system to another using bundles of axons called tracts), these patches collect together. Some people claim to experience shooting pain (intense sensation of pain) near the rash. Shingles is not contagious in the early stages.

Is Ramsay Hunt syndrome a form of shingles?

No. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a complication of shingles. 

Is Ramsay Hunt syndrome caused by shingles?

Yes, Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) is caused by shingles

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