Chickenpox in Adults

Chickenpox in adults is rarely seen. What are the identifying symptoms of chickenpox in adults? Read more on chickenpox in adults: symptoms, duration, complications and treatment.

Chickenpox is a viral disease caused by Varicella Zoster virus, also known as the Herpes Zoster virus. It is contagious and infections disease, and is common in children below 12 years of age. Chickenpox is marked by itchy blister like spots all over the body and low grade fever. It is not a life threatening disease and can be completely cured. Although uncommon, it is more severe in adults than in children. Let us know more on chickenpox in adults.

Chickenpox in Adults

Usually it is observed that adults develop chickenpox if they have not had it in childhood. Similarly, adults who were not vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine in the past are also most likely to contract this viral disease. If a person has already suffered from chickenpox as a child, he becomes immune to the disease and does not contract it again, even if he is exposed to it (but, it is still advisable to stay away from people suffering from chickenpox). Adult chickenpox is more common in young adults than in older people. Let us have a look at the symptoms of adult chickenpox.

Chickenpox in Adults - Symptoms

The symptoms of chickenpox in adults are similar to those in children. There are a few early symptoms that are seen 1 - 2 days before the growth of itchy blisters. They include:

Low grade fever

Headache

Backache

Dry cough

Sore throat

After a couple of days, chickenpox spots appear all over the skin. These spots are red in color and are extremely itchy. They appear all over the body, sometimes, even in mouth and on the scalp. Sometimes the spots appear in clusters forming a rash. Chickenpox spots are very itchy and cause a lot of discomfort to the person.

Chickenpox in Adults - Duration

The incubation period for chickenpox virus is anywhere between 10 - 20 days. If you are wondering, is chicken pox contagious to adults, then the answer is positive. Chickenpox is highly contagious from the time spots appear on the person's body to the time they disappear completely. The general feeling of being unwell and weakness continues for 1 - 2 weeks. In case complications develop, the duration of chickenpox being contagious increases. What are the complications associated with chickenpox in adults? Let us have a look.

Chickenpox in Adults - Complications

Shingles is the most common complication of chickenpox. Shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus. The person who has had chickenpox in the past is most likely to suffer from shingles later in his life. The virus causing both these diseases remains dormant in the person's body and reappears to cause shingles. Shingles is more common after 50 years of age. Secondly, if women suffer from chickenpox during pregnancy, there are high chances of developing congenital defects like abnormal brain development, shortened limbs and head, etc. in babies. Sometimes, if the person has a weakened immune system, other diseases like pneumonia can also develop.

Chickenpox in Adults - Treatment

You need to consult the doctor when you experience the general symptoms of chickenpox. Do not wait till all the spots appear. Most of the times, chickenpox goes away without any treatment. However, you can use some creams or lotions to soothe the itchiness and irritation on the skin. Although you may feel like scratching the spots, but it is advised not to do so as it can develop into a skin rash. You can put a cool towel on the itchy areas to get instant relief. The doctor may prescribe you medications for lowering the temperature. Pregnant women are given varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) for prevention of chickenpox during pregnancy. If a person experiences other symptoms like shortness of breath, trouble in walking or standing up, pus or bleeding blisters; he should immediately call the emergency service. Read more on varicella symptoms and treatment.

One should remember that chickenpox can be prevented by the chickenpox vaccine which is highly effective. Vaccination is recommended for both, children as well as adults. If adults are not vaccinated in their childhood or have not contracted chickenpox; they should be vaccinated on a priority basis. One should also remember that as chickenpox is contagious, he should stay away from other people to prevent spread of disease.

Chickenpox in adults can be completely cured if one treats the symptoms early and prevents the occurrence of complications!