In rare chickenpox case, itchy blisters mushroom into large, rubbery nodules
Ars Technica
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Chickenpox, a common childhood illness, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It manifests as an itchy rash and can lead to complications. While typically mild, VZV can reactivate later in life, causing shingles.
- The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is responsible for chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection. The virus spreads through direct contact with the rash or respiratory droplets from an infected person. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a characteristic itchy, blistering rash that typically appears on the face, chest, and back, eventually spreading across the body.
- While chickenpox is generally a self-limiting illness for most children, complications can arise, particularly in infants, adolescents, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. These complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and secondary bacterial infections of the skin.
- Crucially, VZV remains dormant in nerve tissue after the initial infection. Decades later, it can reactivate, causing shingles (herpes zoster). Shingles is characterized by a painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body, following the path of a nerve.
- Vaccination is available for both chickenpox and shingles, significantly reducing the incidence and severity of these diseases. Preventing chickenpox can also prevent future outbreaks of shingles.
