Definition
The reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the abdominal region is called shingles on the stomach. This is an inflammation of the nerves caused by viruses. Shingles can manifest itself in different parts of the body, but it often occurs on the abdomen.
This means that the viruses that once caused chickenpox are now causing symptoms again, on the stomach. The symptoms and pain manifest themselves in this area. Certain spinal cord and cranial nerves are responsible for the abdominal skin, which is affected during an outbreak.
The reason for this is that the viruses spread along these nerve tracts. Normally, they are located in an inactivated form in a kind of collection point for nerve cell bodies. This node is called a ganglion.
There they are monitored by the body’s own defense cells. In case of a defense weakness, they leave their ganglion. They attach themselves to the nerves that supply the stomach.
This enables them to reach the uppermost layer of abdominal skin. Before a skin rash becomes visible on the abdomen, most affected persons already feel a pulsating or stabbing pain in the area. Usually only one half of the abdomen is affected.
Causes of shingles on the stomach
Shingles on the abdomen is caused by the chickenpox virus, also called varicella zoster virus. Once a person has had chickenpox, these viruses remain in the body for life. Normally they rest in the body and do not cause any discomfort.
Under certain circumstances, however, they can cause pain and skin rashes on the abdomen. This happens when the body’s immune system is not able to control the viruses. If the immune system is weakened, they can then cause the symptoms. Risk factors include old age, trauma, physical or mental stress, immunodeficiency drugs, immune deficiency, cancer, HIV infection and UV radiation. However, shingles on the stomach can also occur in young and healthy people for unknown reasons.