Complications and Recovery from Chickenpox
Complications and recovery from chickenpox vary depending on the person’s age, immune status, and how well symptoms are managed. For most healthy individuals, chickenpox resolves without long-term effects. However, complications can arise, especially in at-risk groups.
1. Common Complications
- Bacterial skin infections: Result from scratching blisters; may require antibiotics
- Pneumonia: More common in adults, smokers, or those with lung conditions
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain — rare but serious
- Cerebellar ataxia: Temporary loss of balance or coordination in children
- Dehydration: Due to fever, poor intake, or vomiting
2. Risks in Vulnerable Groups
- Pregnant women: Risk to the unborn baby, including congenital varicella syndrome
- Newborns: Severe complications if mother is infected just before or after birth
- Immunocompromised: Higher chance of severe and prolonged infection
3. Shingles (Later in Life)
The varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the body after recovery. It can reactivate years later as shingles, a painful rash that often affects one side of the body or face.
Vaccination against shingles is available for older adults and those with weakened immunity.
4. Recovery Timeline
- Mild cases: Full recovery in 7–10 days
- Scabbing and healing: May take 2–3 weeks
- Fatigue or lingering weakness: Can persist for several weeks in older patients
Once all the spots have crusted over, the person is no longer contagious.
5. Prevention of Spread | Complications and Recovery from Chickenpox
- Isolate the infected person until spots have scabbed
- Practise good hand hygiene
- Disinfect surfaces and avoid contact with high-risk individuals
While most recover quickly, understanding complications and recovery from chickenpox helps reduce risks and supports safer outcomes, especially in children and vulnerable groups.
