In this article you will learn:

Chickenpox is not so harmless

Most of us experience chickenpox in childhood. Having had it once, the body acquires protective powers and is no longer infected with this disease. Many parents are confident that it goes away easily, and do not think about the fact that complications after chickenpox do occur in children. After all, the older a person is, the harder it is for him to bear it.

How does chickenpox manifest?

1. Rapid rise in temperature
2. Weakness and body aches
3. The appearance of sores on the skin in the form of weeping blisters

Despite the fact that much is known about chickenpox, recently the virus that causes it has undergone considerable changes, that is, it has mutated, as a result of which children under one year of age born to women who have not had this disease and adolescents over 12 years of age have complications after it. Such complications can bring pathological changes to the body in all organs and systems. This leads to severe damage to the respiratory system, vision, and nervous system.

Doctors divide complications after chickenpox into two main types - bacterial and viral (herpetic).

Negative consequences will affect children who have a weak immune system, and each of the pathologies is harmful in its own way. Thus, children under two years of age remain very vulnerable to the disease, for whom chickenpox is especially worried. They become moody, lethargic, their sleep and appetite are disturbed. If a baby is breastfed, he tolerates the disease more easily than a bottle-fed baby.

The most harmless consequence of chickenpox is scars and scars on the body, but some are so dangerous that they lead to serious health problems, expressed in chronic diseases, pneumonia, encephalitis, epilepsy, heart and joint diseases.

Therefore, any changes in the child’s health status should be a signal for parents to sound the alarm and seek qualified medical help.

Complications of a viral nature

From person to person by airborne droplets. Its causative agent belongs to the herpes group of viruses and is released through the respiratory organs along with drops of moisture into the environment. You can infect others a day before visible signs of the disease - fever and typical rashes that accompany itching. This is how chickenpox manifests itself in children.

Complications, which depend on how strong the immune system is, can be in the form of extremely high fever, damage to the nervous system, heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, joints.

For a small child under one year old, complications from chickenpox can be fatal.

A viral or herpetic infection is characterized by damage to internal organs by the virus, but these complications often occur in a latent form, so they are not easy to recognize.

If the virus gets on the surface of the lungs, breathing is impaired and laryngitis or chickenpox pneumonia can develop. The rash can occur in the kidneys and lead to nephritis, in the liver - to hepatitis, in the heart - to myocarditis.

If a child with chickenpox develops symptoms such as a dry, wet cough that produces blood, you should immediately go to the hospital - these are signs of pneumonia.

A complication in the eyes also occurs with chickenpox: if the virus gets on the cornea, it forms a papule, which over time turns into a scar, and this seriously affects vision.

Bacterial flora can penetrate into the oral cavity - stomatitis begins, into the joints - they become inflamed and painful, which leads to the development of arthritis. Otitis develops when there is a rash in the ear. If the rash is concentrated on the genitals, it can have negative consequences for boys in adulthood when they become sexually active.

Possible damage to the central nervous system - cranial nerves, meningitis, encephalitis.

Symptoms experienced by the patient:

• excruciating headache;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• confusion;
• tremor;
• convulsions.

  Read also

  Facial asymmetry and flaccid paralysis may occur, indicating that the peripheral nervous system is affected. It happens that these signs appear after the child has had chickenpox, so the prescribed treatment sometimes turns out to be incorrect, which further complicates the patient’s condition.

  With chickenpox encephalitis, according to statistics, the mortality rate reaches 10%, and the consequences for those who have recovered can be epilepsy, paresis, polyneuritis, and inflammation of the optic nerve.

  The infection spreads to all organs and systems, however, such complications can occur extremely rarely. Parents should carefully monitor the appearance of their signs and not take a disease such as childhood chickenpox lightly.

  Bacterial complications after chickenpox

  Complications after chickenpox in children of this nature appear due to the penetration of bacteria into the body as a result of scratching itchy sores. If dirt gets into the wound, it becomes inflamed and begins to fester.

  This provokes dermatological pathologies. If urgent measures are not taken, at best, scars will remain on the skin for life; at worst, superficial tissue necrosis will occur.
  

  In severe cases, the consequence of secondary infection with chickenpox is shingles. Serious health problems can occur if bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. In this case, there is a risk of damage to internal organs, in particular, the development of pneumonia, sometimes against the background of already occurring chickenpox.

  The bubbles that appear on the surface of the epidermis contain many viruses, and when the bubbles burst, they all enter the air, from where, accordingly, they quickly penetrate the body of a healthy person.

  To weaken the virus and prevent further infection from entering the wounds, doctors recommend treating the affected areas with brilliant green or fucorcin twice a day.

  The penetration of bacteria into the brain is very difficult to tolerate. Meningoencephalitis develops, which is characterized by high fever, stomach upset, tremors, and sometimes convulsions and has very sad consequences.

  Other types of complications

  There are more rare complications of chickenpox in children - for example, nephritis, which develops at the end of the disease, which manifests itself in the form of headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting; hepatitis (liver is affected); myocarditis (heart disease).

  Diseases of the genitourinary system, which are a consequence of the spread of rashes on the genitals, deserve special attention. As a result, girls can suffer vulvitis, vaginitis and phlegmon, and boys can experience inflammation of the foreskin, on which, after healing, scars form that impair sensitivity.

  Doctors do not recommend smearing the genitals of boys with green paint; it is better to treat the affected areas with fucorcin, which will not burn the delicate tissue.

  Not least among the complications are thrombophlebitis - inflammation of the veins, and myositis - inflammation of muscle tissue, which directly depend on the type of virus and the state of the immune system. Such complications pose dangerous consequences for the health and life of children and adolescents. A child with chickenpox is at risk of contracting encephalitis during this dangerous period.

  To treat a child, it is necessary to hospitalize him in a hospital, otherwise the consequences may be the worst.

  The causative agent of chickenpox can affect the heart muscle. Heart disease develops - myocarditis. A person suffering from chickenpox feels weakness, pain in the heart, shortness of breath, and has an abnormal heart rhythm. Another serious factor is the activation of cytomegalovirus, which “wakes up” due to weakened immunity.

  Prevention of complications

  The most effective preventive measure against complications of chickenpox remains personal hygiene. The sick person needs to wash his hands frequently, trim his nails, change his underwear and bedding. To prevent complications from chickenpox, doctors prescribe antiviral or antibacterial agents.
  

  A common occurrence is when children scratch sores until they bleed. Very tiny babies can wear cotton mittens. Children should be distracted from scratching itchy areas: tell them fairy tales, read books, play with them. The skin should be treated with external agents, special solutions (diamond green, fucorcin, salicylic alcohol), lotions and ointments (Fenistil, zinc).

  The opinion that you can’t swim while you’re sick is wrong.

  You can take a warm shower and bathe small children in a bath, but only after the temperature has subsided and with the addition of a small amount of potassium permanganate. Herbal baths with chamomile, string, and sage, which have antiseptic and healing properties, are good for soothing itching. The temperature in the room should be kept cool because hot temperatures cause sweating and itching.

  The most important thing is to have enough patience, because children under two years of age become very capricious during this period, have a hard time with the disease, and need special care. Yes, and older children require increased attention. By following all the doctor's instructions, you can protect your child from the serious consequences of chickenpox.

Many people consider chickenpox to be a harmless disease that can be treated with brilliant green and never has complications. But this is far from true; according to numerous medical studies, chicken pox, even with proper treatment, can provoke a number of complications.

Complications in children after illness

Doctors rarely observe complications after chickenpox in children from one to ten years of age. Difficulties with the course of the disease are more likely in babies less than a year old, born to women who have not had chickenpox, and in adolescents over 13 years of age. The most common effects of chickenpox are scars on the skin, some of which can last a lifetime.

The most common complications after chickenpox are bacterial and infectious. In the first option, pathogenic bacteria enter the body through wounds caused by scratching. In the second case, the infectious process affects internal organs and systems.

Bacterial complications

The main cause of bacterial complications in a child is scratching the skin at the site of itchy pimples. It’s rare that a child can restrain himself from scratching his arm or face. As soon as an ulcer appears at the site of a pimple, bacteria immediately penetrate into the upper layer of the epidermis, and the inflammatory process begins.

At this moment, the child may develop many skin diseases, for example. What will it lead to: The wound begins to fester, the liquid inside becomes yellowish? the surrounding skin swells and turns red.

If no therapeutic action is taken, there is a high probability of scars and scars appearing at the site of the papules.

When chickenpox occurs in severe form

It is possible for harmful bacteria to spread throughout the body. Particularly dangerous is bacterial pneumonia, which begins with a high fever and dry cough. In rare cases, meningoencephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, occurs.

The main symptoms of meningoencephalitis are nausea, gag reflex, and hand tremors. A sick child feels weakness throughout the body, coordination in movements is impaired.

The first signs of the disease appear after the disappearance of red spots on the child’s body, and often doctors do not connect these diseases with each other. The result of an incorrect diagnosis is lost time and a number of complications.

Viral complications

If bacterial consequences mainly affect the surface of the child’s skin and are detected instantly, then viral complications affect the performance of internal organs. Provided that the processes occur deep under the skin, it is quite difficult to identify them.

Complications of chickenpox:

• Viral pneumonia. The infection settles in the pulmonary tract and gradually covers the entire respiratory system. A couple of days after the onset of chickenpox, the child develops a cough, sometimes accompanied by bloody sputum, a sharp increase in body temperature, and bluish skin. If hospitalization measures are not taken immediately, pulmonary edema and death are possible. If the indicated symptoms appear, doctors do not recommend leaving the child for home treatment. In particularly severe forms of chickenpox, there is a high probability of developing chickenpox croup, when papules appear on the larynx, thereby making it difficult for the baby to breathe.
• Stomatitis. In this case, bubbles appear on the entire mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue, causing great discomfort to the child. When the papules are deformed, a secondary infection may occur; ulcers appear in the mouth, which can fester and bleed.
• Damage to the optic nerve. The virus settles on the inside of the eye and spreads there quickly. The cornea is so sensitive that even a small scar from chickenpox can reduce a person's vision.
• Inflammation of the brain. The more severe the form of chickenpox, the greater the likelihood of encephalitis. If the baby begins to vomit, has convulsions, or experiences confusion, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance followed by hospitalization. Untimely assistance can lead to negative consequences: death (about 10% of the total number of sick children under the age of one year), partial disruption of the functioning of the central nervous system, epileptic attacks and other complications.
• Complications on the lower extremities. Such consequences are extremely rare; they include arthritis, thrombophlebitis and other inflammatory processes in muscle tissue.

Many parents often ask doctors what complications may occur in boys who have suffered multiple rashes of papules on the genitals. If after recovery there are scars on the penis, they will cause some inconvenience to the boy. This should go away with age. Scars after chickenpox do not have any effect on the reproductive function of a future man.

Features of the disease in children under one year of age

Babies under the age of one year almost always suffer from chickenpox with various types of complications. Therefore, when the first symptoms of chickenpox appear, the child is sent for treatment to a hospital under the supervision of doctors. In addition to itching and high fever, the baby may experience cramps, nausea and vomiting.

As soon as the body temperature exceeds 39 degrees, parents should immediately call a doctor. Children with congenital chronic diseases and low immunity cannot cope with the virus on their own, so they need well-chosen treatment.

The development of pneumonia and inflammation of the brain at this age occurs rapidly, so there is no need to delay diagnosis and treatment. It is recommended that babies under one year of age wear cotton gloves during the period when chickenpox blisters are at their peak.

Complications in adults after illness

Experts have noted that chickenpox in adult women and men is much more complicated than in children. The disease is most difficult for people with weakened immune systems and those over 55 years of age.

The drug promotes rapid healing of the wound and slightly reduces itching in the child. The sooner the papule crusts over, the less likely it is that pathogenic bacteria will penetrate the unprotected area of ​​the skin. In addition to brilliant green, chickenpox sores can be lubricated with a weak solution of manganese. Under no circumstances should pimples be treated with alcohol-based preparations.

If the disease is complex, the doctor will need additional tests to prescribe the correct treatment. Only after determining the presence of a pathogenic virus or bacteria in the body will the doctor prescribe appropriate drug treatment. Complications after chickenpox of a bacterial nature are treated with antibacterial drugs, which should only be prescribed by a specialist. If a virus is detected as a result of diagnosis, the patient is prescribed antiviral drugs. It is important for parents to remember that any self-medication can seriously harm the baby’s health and cause a number of complications.

Prevention of complications after chickenpox

To avoid unpleasant complications when contracting chickenpox, it is enough to follow simple rules.

Rules for illness:

• Monitor the length of your child's nails. The longer the nail plate, the greater the likelihood of scratching itchy pimples;
• Constantly change underwear touching the child’s body;
• Maintain personal hygiene. When a child has chickenpox, water procedures should be carried out with extreme caution. Droplets of water must be removed with light blotting movements, if possible without touching the inflamed areas;
• Eliminate all allergenic foods from the child’s diet;
• Wash your hands often with soap.

Very often, parents ask doctors whether there are complications after chickenpox if all precautions are followed? It is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of complications, but it is quite possible to minimize them.

Fortunately, complications after chickenpox are quite rare. However, this does not mean that this moment should be overlooked. Doctors do not recommend deliberately infecting a child with chickenpox, believing that it is better to suffer this disease in childhood than in adulthood. If the chickenpox virus does enter the body, you need to monitor the child’s condition very carefully. Any deviations from the norm are a signal to immediately seek medical help.

What complications are chickenpox dangerous - video

Chickenpox is one of the diseases common mainly in childhood. With timely treatment and good protective functions of the body, the disease proceeds without complications. If the child’s immunity is reduced, then there is a risk of developing negative consequences and serious disruption of the functioning of internal organs.

The causative agent of chickenpox (or chickenpox) is a virus belonging to the Herpes family. A feature of this disease is the development of lifelong immunity after a single infection. Chickenpox appears in the form of multiple blisters on the skin, the development of which is accompanied by severe itching and increased body temperature. Chickenpox epidemics most often occur in kindergartens or schools.

Two main causes of the disease:

• contact with an infected person;
• weakened protective functions of the body.

If a woman becomes infected with chickenpox during pregnancy, there is a risk of transmission of the virus through the placenta to the fetus. Such a factor can not only provoke the birth of a child with chickenpox, but also deviations in its development. Such babies are weakened, developmentally delayed, and some of their internal systems may not be fully formed.

Possible consequences

The most common complication after chickenpox is the formation of scars on the skin. If a child injures the blisters or crusts that remain after them, then the risk of scarring is very high. It will be possible to get rid of scars only with special procedures. The appearance of scars is influenced by the age of the child. The older he is, the greater the risk of complications associated with the skin.

Complications of the disease may include the following conditions:

Complications associated with the functioning of internal organs or systems after chickenpox can arise only in the presence of two factors - the child’s critically low immunity and the lack of complete treatment for chickenpox. The reaction of a child’s body to a virus is always individual.

Parents need to take measures to prevent complications. Only in this case the risk of their occurrence will be minimal.

Prevention of complications

The main measure to prevent complications is complete treatment of chickenpox. The disease may be accompanied by additional symptoms of damage to internal organs, so therapy should be aimed not only at eliminating the blisters on the skin characteristic of the disease, but also at restoring the functionality of the affected systems.

If treatment is interrupted or carried out incompletely, the risk of complications will increase.

Prevention of complications is carried out in the following ways:

• the child should not be allowed to injure the blisters on the skin (there are many remedies that are good for relieving itching);
• if, after a short period of time after chickenpox, the child has a fever or a cough, then self-medication should be excluded (complications of chickenpox may be hidden under the signs of a cold);
• replenishing the supply of vitamins in the child’s body to increase the body’s protective functions (vitamins must enter the child’s body with food and in the form of special vitamin complexes);
• during the period of illness, the child must be provided with appropriate hygiene and sanitary conditions (to prevent contamination and additional bacteria from entering the wounds formed after the blisters);
• It is possible to bathe a child with chickenpox, but the treatment of the skin should be carried out using a gentle method (you can only blot the affected areas with a towel, any mechanical stress can injure the blisters and leave scars);
• If you suspect the development of complications, you must consult a doctor and conduct a comprehensive examination of the child.

What does Dr. Komarovsky say?

Treatment of chickenpox and prevention of its complications according to Komarovsky involves some features. The doctor pays special attention to alleviating the child’s condition when treating the disease.. He recommends using not only medications for external use, but also medications that will increase immunity and prevent complications in the functioning of internal organs.

Not everyone knows that there are complications after chickenpox in adults. The infectious disease is most often diagnosed in childhood. Since children tolerate it easily, many consider the disease harmless and harmless. However, after reaching adulthood, chickenpox is much more difficult to tolerate than in childhood. It is characterized by a moderate or severe course. The disease often provokes serious disruptions to the functioning of organs and systems. The older the sick person, the higher the likelihood of complications.

After streptococcus infection of a damaged chickenpox vesicle, the patient may develop bullous streptoderma. In place of chickenpox blisters, pea-sized pustules (phlyctenae) appear. They are covered with thin skin and filled with transparent contents that quickly become cloudy. Streptococcal vesicles rapidly increase in size, reaching a diameter of 1-2 cm. Then they burst and expose ulcers with scraps of skin at the edges. The wounds dry out very quickly and become covered with honey-yellow crusts. Since the development of the process is accompanied by severe itching, the patient scratches the ulcers and causes the infection to spread to adjacent areas of the skin.

Sometimes numerous blisters combine to form large formations that can cover the entire face. In their place, ulcerated surfaces and crusts later appear. Bullous streptoderma does not cause scars or scars. At the site of the ulcers, areas with temporary depigmentation (change in skin color to a lighter shade) may remain. The chronic form of bullous streptoderma is characterized by a recurrent course and the development of large lesions.

If streptococcus penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, streptococcal ecthyma is diagnosed. In this case, an abscess with serous-purulent contents forms on the skin. It quickly increases in size, then shrinks into a greenish-yellow crust. After the crust is rejected, a deep, painful ulcer with jagged edges and purulent discharge remains. A scar will later form in its place.

Boils, abscesses, phlegmons

Chickenpox in adulthood can cause severe purulent skin diseases - boils, abscesses and phlegmons.

A boil is a purulent-necrotic lesion of the hair follicle, sebaceous gland and subcutaneous fat. At the site of penetration of pyogenic bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) redness appears, which quickly increases in size. The skin becomes tight and hot. A bubble with purulent contents forms in the center of the lesion. The inflammatory process causes severe throbbing pain. A mature abscess bursts and is cleared of pus. Inside it, a dense formation is exposed - the rod. When the rod is rejected, the pain decreases sharply. The inflammatory process subsides, the tumor decreases. The wound that remains after a boil can be more than 1 cm in diameter. When it heals, a scar remains in its place.

An abscess is a purulent inflammation that causes tissue melting and the formation of a cavity. In the vast majority of cases, the causative agent of the disease is Staphylococcus aureus. At the site of infection, redness occurs, which gradually increases in size. The skin thickens, swells and becomes painful. An abscess forms inside a capsule, which occurs under the influence of the body's defenses. It prevents the infection from spreading to healthy tissue. If the immune system is weakened, the abscess can be huge. The volume of purulent contents sometimes reaches several liters. An abscess is characterized by the presence of a symptom of fluctuation. When pressed, the surface of the abscess oscillates, indicating the presence of liquid contents inside it.

Phlegmon is a diffuse inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue. The pathology differs from an abscess in the absence of a capsule holding the purulent contents inside the abscess. Therefore, phlegmon is characterized by the rapid spread of infection within the tissues of the human body. Abscess and cellulitis can cause a strong increase in body temperature. After opening them, deep scars remain.

Purulent skin diseases often occur in adulthood. People suffering from chronic diseases and diabetes are at risk.

Chickenpox pneumonia develops simultaneously with an infectious disease. Inflammation of the lungs is caused by chickenpox viruses that have penetrated the organs of the respiratory system. Symptoms of chickenpox pneumonia may appear before the rash appears or when the first blisters form. If a severe torpid form of the pathology has developed, the patient develops severe shortness of breath and cough with bloody sputum. The skin of the face takes on a bluish tint. He complains of shortness of breath and chest pain. Body temperature rises to 38-39 degrees.

Chickenpox accompanied by pneumonia in adults is diagnosed in 16% of cases. Its severe forms can be fatal. Pregnant women and people with immunocompromised conditions are especially vulnerable.

If there is a mild or moderate form of the disease, the symptoms are not so obvious. In the second week of chickenpox pneumonia, the patient feels much better. Full recovery occurs several weeks or months after the first signs of pneumonia appear.

Sometimes the infectious process is complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection. In this case, the body temperature rises again to 38-39 degrees. The cough becomes dry and later becomes wet. During it, sputum containing pus is released. The consequences of chickenpox in adults, causing severe lung damage, are treated in a hospital.

Other diseases of the respiratory system

A rash on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and larynx can cause the development of chickenpox tracheitis, laryngitis and stomatitis.

Tracheitis is an inflammatory process on the mucous membrane of the trachea. The disease is accompanied by a dry, painful cough, which torments the patient more at night and in the morning. It causes pain in the throat and chest. Coughing attacks occur during strong inhalation, laughter, screaming, as well as during a sharp change in ambient temperature. Chickenpox tracheitis can occur with an increase in body temperature to 37-38 degrees. Fever occurs more often in the evening. The disease often develops simultaneously with chickenpox laryngitis.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. The disease causes coughing and painful sensations in the throat when swallowing. First, a dry, strained cough appears. Later it becomes wet and light. Patients complain of soreness, rawness, scratching, and dry throat. After the inflammatory process spreads to the vocal cords, the voice of patients may become hoarse. Chickenpox laryngitis sometimes causes difficulty breathing. Respiratory dysfunction is caused by a narrowing of the glottis due to its spasm. Chickenpox laryngitis is accompanied by mild malaise and an increase in body temperature to 37-37.5 degrees.

Chickenpox at age 20 can cause the development of stomatitis. Stomatitis is a lesion of the oral mucosa. At first, a slight redness appears on the surface of the mouth. The reddened area may swell slightly and cause a burning sensation. Later, a round or elliptical ulcer forms on it. The wound has smooth edges, bordered by a reddened area of ​​the mucous membrane. Inside it there is a whitish-gray film loosely attached. The ulcer is usually small and shallow. It causes quite severe pain, which makes it difficult to eat and speak normally. Sometimes several ulcers form at the same time. As a rule, they are evenly distributed over the surface of the oral cavity.

Damage to the brain and central nervous system

Chickenpox at the age of 30 can provoke encephalitis - an infectious lesion of the brain accompanied by inflammation. Encephalitis can be pre-varicella, early and late (post-varicella). In the prevaricella form, signs of enphecalitis occur before the bubbles appear. Early encephalitis is considered a pathology, the symptoms of which arose during the formation of the first elements of the rash. Late encephalitis develops at the stage of fading of the rash (5-15 days after the first signs of chickenpox appear).

With the development of prevaricella and early encephalitis, the brain is damaged by the varicella zoster virus. Late encephalitis occurs in response to existing inflammation and is infectious-allergic in nature.

Prevaricella and early forms of pathology are considered the most dangerous. They cause swelling of the brain, which provokes an increase in intracranial pressure. The patient experiences difficulty breathing and swallowing, speech disorders, and disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. There is confusion and delirium. Often the patient experiences convulsions. A variety of pyramidal disorders lead to paralysis of the arms and legs. The patient may make involuntary chaotic movements with his limbs. Chickenpox in adults, complicated by early forms of encephalitis, leads to death in 10-12% of cases.

A more favorable prognosis is in patients diagnosed with a late form of chickenpox encephalitis. They suffer from headaches, weakness, increased body temperature to 38-39 degrees, vomiting and dizziness. They may experience paresis (partial paralysis), impaired coordination and facial asymmetry, leading to the disappearance of facial movements. Complete temporary loss of vision is possible.

When the cerebellum is damaged, cerebellar ataxia may develop. It is accompanied by scanned speech, trembling of the limbs, head and torso, and involuntary oscillatory movements of the eyes of high frequency. Symptoms of neurological disorders disappear after 24-72 hours.

A consequence of chickenpox in adults can be meningoencephalitis. With meningoencephalitis, the inflammatory process spreads to the membranes of the brain and its substance. It is extremely rare that such a pathology leads to mental damage with the subsequent development of idiocy.

Chickenpox arthritis

During chickenpox, adults may develop reactive arthritis. Arthritis is a joint disease that is accompanied by an inflammatory response. The reactive form of arthritis is temporary. Once chickenpox is cured, its symptoms usually disappear.

The development of reactive chickenpox arthritis is indicated by pain in the muscles and joints. Chickenpox most often affects the large joints of the lower extremities (knees, ankles, big toes). The pain in the joints can be so severe that the sick person cannot walk. The pain intensifies at night. By morning, the joints become swollen and red. To alleviate the patient's suffering and give him the opportunity to sleep, painkillers are used. Symptoms of chickenpox arthritis are observed until the skin is completely clear of chickenpox crusts.

Eye diseases

Possible complications of chickenpox in adults can cause vision loss. A viral disease sometimes causes chickenpox keratitis. Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea of ​​the eye. It occurs as a result of infection from chickenpox blisters. Infection of the organs of vision occurs if a sick person does not wash their hands after treating the affected areas of the body.

The disease causes clouding of the cornea and ulceration. The eyes of a patient with chickenpox become red and painful. Watery eyes, photophobia, and blepharospasm (uncontrolled contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle), which causes intense closure of the eyelids, may appear. The patient complains of the presence of a “foreign body” in the eye. If chickenpox blisters appear on the eyelids, they itch painfully. In rare cases, purulent discharge appears in the eyes.

Chickenpox keratitis is dangerous due to the development of an eyesore, which causes a significant decrease in vision or its complete loss.

With chickenpox in adults, optic neuritis can be detected. The disease develops as a result of inflammation of the optic nerve. It causes a sharp deterioration in vision and impaired color perception. Painful sensations occur in the orbital area. They intensify during movement of the eyeball. Moving objects—dots, spots, figures—may appear before your eyes. They often appear to glow. With timely consultation with a doctor, complete restoration of visual function is possible. However, the disease often leads to optic nerve atrophy and complete loss of vision.

Diseases of the genital organs

If chickenpox blisters appear on the genitals in men, chickenpox balanoposthitis may develop. Balanoposthitis is an inflammation of the glans (balanitis) and the inner layer of the foreskin of the penis (posthitis). First, a slight redness appears on the skin of the organ. The affected area is slightly swollen and very itchy. There may be a stinging and burning sensation in the area of ​​the head of the penis. Later, the skin at the site of infection becomes thin and dry. Bubbles and sores appear on it. The inflammatory process causes a narrowing of the foreskin, making it impossible to expose the head. An increase in the intensity of activity of the sebaceous glands of the foreskin leads to the appearance of copious discharge. Purulent discharge from the urethra may be bothersome. The patient feels weak. His body temperature rises to 37-38 degrees. Male complications may go away on their own after recovery.

If chickenpox blisters appear on the female genital organs, chickenpox vulvitis may develop. Vulvitis is an inflammatory process on the mucous membrane of the vulva. The infection causes redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia. The girl experiences itching, burning and pain. Unpleasant symptoms worsen when walking. The surface of the mucous membrane in the lesion becomes rough due to the appearance of nodules (enlarged sebaceous glands). Later, blisters form on the mucous membrane of the external genitalia. When they open, ulcers appear in their place. Chickenpox vulvitis may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature to 37-38 degrees and weakness. After chickenpox is cured, the symptoms of chickenpox vulvitis often disappear.

Chickenpox myocarditis

Complications from chickenpox in adults can affect the cardiovascular system. Patients are sometimes diagnosed with chickenpox myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. Cardiac dysfunction occurs as a result of damage to cardiomyocytes (muscle cells of the heart) by the varicella zoster virus. Infected cardiomycytes become a catalyst for the development of inflammation.

Symptoms of chickenpox myocarditis usually appear 7-17 days after the rash appears. The patient begins to suffer from shortness of breath and quickly gets tired. His body temperature rises to 37-38 degrees, and chest pain occurs. The patient complains of dizziness, increased sweating (especially at night). His arms and legs are swollen. Inflammation of the heart muscle can cause a sore throat. Chickenpox at the age of 40, complicated by myocarditis, sometimes leads to the death of a person.

Other complications of chickenpox

Chickenpox can cause liver damage. Chickenpox hepatitis is accompanied by yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes, darkening of urine and discoloration of feces. The patient's body temperature rises to 37-38 degrees. He feels tired and loses his ability to work. There is a feeling of heaviness and discomfort under the right rib. Symptoms are not always obvious. In some cases, liver damage can only be detected after additional research.

Chickenpox in adults can cause kidney damage. Signs of chickenpox nephritis appear 2 weeks after the rash appears. The patient's body temperature rises sharply to 38-39 degrees. He suffers from vomiting, headache and abdominal pain. After a few days, the patient’s condition improves significantly and he recovers.

Adults who have had chickenpox may experience a recurrence later in the form of shingles. The disease is caused by the chickenpox pathogen, which remains in the blood and multiplies in conditions of weakened immunity of the patient. Signs of shingles include itchy rashes on the torso, limbs and neck. The disease may be accompanied by pain and inflammation of the nerves. It goes away on its own within 10-14 days. However, in a 50-60 year old person with a weakened immune system, the virus can spread throughout the body and cause the development of pneumonia or meningitis.

A complication of chickenpox is lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes). They arise as a result of the spread of the virus through the lymphatic vessels. Most often the axillary, inguinal and cervical nodes become inflamed. They become painful and increase in size.

Immediately after signs of chickenpox appear, you should definitely consult a doctor. He will examine the patient, tell you which symptoms of the disease are causing concern, and prescribe treatment aimed at preventing the development of complications.

Complications of chickenpox in pregnant women

Particularly dangerous. According to statistics, 10 women out of 1000 develop a viral disease. If the expectant mother is not immune to chickenpox, the virus can infect the fetus. Although the likelihood of this happening is extremely low (6%), the consequences for the developing child can be very serious.

If chickenpox develops in women in the first trimester of pregnancy, it may be prematurely terminated. If the child survives, the virus can cause brain damage, underdevelopment of the upper or lower extremities, visual impairment, developmental delays, or other deformities. If a pregnant woman was infected in the last weeks of pregnancy, her baby is at risk of congenital chickenpox. Infection occurs as the baby passes through the birth canal. Congenital chickenpox can cause serious disruption to the internal organs of an infant. They are usually discovered until the child is 1 year old.

Chickenpox is a childhood disease. Parents consider it a mild illness, since in most cases it is mild and painless. But in rare cases, complications occur after chickenpox in children. They can be different and cause varying degrees of harm. Some can threaten the child's health and even lead to death. Therefore, parents need to know what consequences a child has after chickenpox, and what complications they entail.

Read also

Chickenpox, also known as chicken pox, is considered by an impressive portion of parents to be a fairly harmless and mild illness. Nature…

Causes of complications after chickenpox

Despite the fact that complications after chickenpox in children occur in 9%, they still exist and require careful study for prevention. Those who suffer from chronic diseases are also most susceptible to serious consequences. The main reasons for the development of complications are:

• Failure of the patient to comply with hygiene rules. As a result, a build-up of bacteria occurs, which complicates the course of the disease.
• Parental refusal to vaccinate. The vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of disease, but provides absolutely no guarantee or safety.
• Weakening of the immune system. After vaccination, there is a risk of contracting an infection. Those children who are constantly being treated for various chronic diseases are more often susceptible to negative manifestations of chickenpox.
• Age of the sick child. The disease is mild in children from 2 to 12 years old. The older the child, the more complex the course of the disease.
• Failure to follow doctor's recommendations. It is important to follow all the recommendations of your doctor, as well as follow all treatment rules, since self-medication or improper therapy can lead to serious consequences.
• Overprotection of the baby. Excessive care can also cause harm. For example, too warm clothes, regular use of antibiotics, strict quarantine at the slightest symptom of ARVI, all this lowers immunity. Therefore, there must be moderation in everything.

Complications are divided into two types:

1. Viral. They arise as a result of the toxic effects of the pathogen itself. To prevent them, the doctor prescribes antiviral medications.
2. Bacterial. Occurs as a result of infection joining a weakened immune system. Bacteria multiply quickly, forming pustules on the skin. And since bacteria are spread throughout the body through the blood and lymph, internal organs can also be affected, especially those that are weakened. Antipruritic medications and hygiene can prevent this type of complication.

How often do complications occur after chickenpox?

Newborns and breastfed children are less susceptible to chickenpox. This is explained by the fact that they are protected as much as possible from the outside world, and from the mother, who has already had chickenpox, the baby receives antibodies against this virus through milk. Even if an illness is detected in infants under six months of age, it proceeds without complications and easily.

The period when children are more susceptible to chickenpox is 10 years and lasts from 2 to 12 years. At this age, the disease in most cases proceeds with minimal risk of complications. If they occur, they can be easily stopped, as a result of which there will be no consequences.

After 12 years of age, a child suffers less from chickenpox. But in case of infection, the disease is more difficult and also longer. The older the child, the greater the likelihood of complications after illness.

Autumn and winter are the times when the risk of getting an infection increases significantly. Those children who often visit places with large crowds of people (for example, schools, kindergartens or clubs) are especially susceptible to this.

Bacterial complications

Chickenpox or chickenpox is a disease that almost every child encounters in childhood. It is even considered...

Popular bacterial complications include:

• scarring;
• shingles;
• meningoencephalitis.

Scarring

Chicken pox or chickenpox is a common infectious disease that occurs in children, less often in adults...

First of all, it is important to determine what triggered the occurrence of pneumonia - bacteria that penetrate the body, or herpes. With bacterial pneumonia, the volume of sputum increases rapidly, which can cause serious consequences. Therefore, it is extremely important to stop the bacteria from multiplying.

Pneumonia from the virus is not so difficult. With this complication, the temperature does not exceed 38 degrees, and general weakness is observed. But since herpes is resistant to many medications, treatment can be lengthy.

Encephalitis

If chickenpox is severe, there is a chance of getting a complication in the form of encephalitis - damage to the central nervous system. The following symptoms are characteristic of encephalitis:

• dizziness;
• nausea and vomiting;
• unsteady gait;
• severe headaches;
• loss of consciousness.

Treatment of this type of complication is possible only in a hospital. The mortality rate due to encephalitis reaches 10%. And 15% of those who have had chickenpox encephalitis have serious consequences in the form of epilepsy or other damage to the nervous system.

Other complications

There are other consequences of chickenpox. These include:

1. Stomatitis.
2. Hives.
3. Keratitis.
4. Nephritis.

Stomatitis

With chickenpox, ulcers can also occur in the oral cavity, and when infected, stomatitis occurs in children. This disease is also typical for infants who scratch ulcers and put their fingers in their mouths, thereby transferring the infection into the oral cavity.

If no measures are taken, the rash can spread to the larynx and pharynx, and this can lead to swelling, which is dangerous for the child’s life.

Hives

Sometimes in children after chickenpox, wave-like urticaria can be observed. This may be an allergic reaction to any medication that was used for treatment. Hives are a rash of red, flat spots.

Keratitis

Chicken rash can also appear on the eye, which leads to inflammation of the cornea - bacterial keratitis. As a result of this complication, a clouded scar remains, which entails a decrease in visual acuity.

Nephritis

The disease occurs at the final stage of the rash. Nephritis is characterized by vomiting, severe headaches, and abdominal pain.

Prevention

There are no preventive measures that prevent a child from getting chickenpox. However, there are recommendations on how to reduce the rate of infection and reduce the severity of possible complications.

In most cases, complications arise as a result of bacteria entering the wounds. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to adhere to basic rules of personal hygiene. Frequent ventilation of the room, regular change of bed linen and wet cleaning will also reduce the likelihood of severe consequences.