What complications are feared with chickenpox in adults?

Chickenpox is one of the childhood infectious diseases, since school-age children are more likely to get it, it is caused by the herpes virus. People who have had chickenpox are infected with the herpes virus, which lives in the nerve ganglia for life. With a decrease in immunity, the virus is activated, and then the disease develops - herpes zoster.

Sometimes it happens that the first acquaintance with the herpes virus occurs in adults. That is, people who did not have chickenpox in childhood can become infected with it in adulthood. Many are afraid and afraid of this, since the course of chickenpox in adults is more severe, and the development of complications is frequent. What to be afraid of when developing chickenpox in adults?

Possible complications of chickenpox in adults

A patient with chickenpox is dangerous to others who have not had chickenpox. Read more about the complications of chickenpox on estet-portal.com Patients pose a danger to others 3 days before the onset of the first symptoms and a week later, before the appearance of crusts on the last element of the rash. Therefore, adults who have not had chickenpox should be extremely careful and avoid contact with a person with chickenpox in every possible way.

Complications of chickenpox in adults:

• The most common complication of chickenpox is a skin infection. The appearance of a polymorphic rash, which is very itchy, encourages patients to scratch them, infecting the deeper layers of the skin. It is absolutely impossible to do this, it is important not to touch the elements of the rash until crusts appear on them.
• Chickenpox develops when the herpes virus enters the lungs. This complication is common among immunocompromised adolescents and adults, as well as in pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy. Smoking and chronic pathologies, as well as disorders in the immune status, increase the likelihood of developing chickenpox pneumonia.
• Chickenpox encephalitis – inflammation of the brain tissue in chickenpox in adults. Such a complication can develop 5-10 days after the appearance of the elements of the rash. Children can also develop this complication involving the cerebellum, called cerebellar ataxia.

In adults, encephalitis affects more of the brain, causing more severe symptoms. This complication of chickenpox in adults is manifested by confusion, drowsiness, severe headache, fever, increased sensitivity to light and nausea. Encephalitis is treated in a hospital.

• Loss of vision – the herpes virus in the development of chickenpox in adults can penetrate the cornea, leaving scars. This can lead to vision loss. This complication is rare.
• Inflammation of the joints develops as a reactive process in chickenpox in adults. Arthritis symptoms last the entire period of the rash, after which they go away on their own. NSAIDs can relieve symptoms.

Aspects of the treatment of chickenpox in adults

Treatment of chickenpox in adults is no different from treatment of chickenpox in children. It is important to observe the home regimen, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm water, rest, and take medications to eliminate disturbing symptoms. These are antihistamines to reduce itching and prevent skin infections. For this purpose, they make lotions with a decoction of chamomile or take herbal baths.

It is not recommended to dry yourself with a towel after a shower, so as not to break the integrity of the crusts on the elements of the rash.

Vitaminized nutrition is important to improve immunity. Compliance with all preventive measures and symptomatic treatment will prevent dangerous complications of chickenpox in adults.