What are the effects on fetus, if a pregnant woman develops chickenpox?
The effects depend on timing of the infection. If a mother develops infection during early pregnancy (e.g. first three months of pregnancy), the growth of various fetal organs may get affected and baby may be born with skin scarring, abnormalities of limb development and cataract. These babies may be mentally retarded, and may develop heart defect too. There is a possibility that abortion may occur in the pregnant woman.

If the infection occurs later in pregnancy but not too close to delivery, the baby will be normally born but there is a possibility that she will develop herpes zoster (shingles) during infancy.

If mother develops chickenpox within 5 days prior to the delivery or in 2 days after the delivery, the baby receives the virus but not the ready-made maternal antibodies. Given her immature immune system, such a baby is in a weaker position to combat varicella infection and may develop severe manifestation of the disease. Newborn babies are more likely to develop serious complications like pneumonia and are at an enhanced risk of death from infection.

How is shingles related to chickenpox?
Both these conditions are caused by varicella zoster virus. First exposure to the varicella zoster virus results in chickenpox, which is followed by immunity against the infection, which usually lasts life-long. The virus, however, hides in certain nerve roots and remains dormant. The virus may get reactivated many years later leading to shingles (Herpes Zoster).

How does shingles present?
Shingles usually afflicts adults' especially old people. The rash, in shingles is vesicular and is limited to one or two segments on one side of the body. However, the rash is extremely painful. This pain is notorious for not getting easily controlled by routinely used analgesics or painkillers. If the rash affects the eye, it is a potentially sight-threatening complication.

Shingle may be followed by neuralgia and pain may persist for several months and years. Immunocompromised individuals like those suffering from leukemia / cancer or AIDS or patients on immunosuppressive therapy like steroids, anti-cancer therapy or radiation, may develop shingles which may involve many segments of the body and can have complications which are potentially fatal.

Does childhood chickenpox have a social impact?
Yes. The full impact of childhood chickenpox on patients and their families is often not appreciated. Physically, varicella is very uncomfortable for patients because they have to endure discomfort from symptoms such as the rash and the associated itching, fever anorexia and other constitutional symptoms. Patients often need to be isolated and kept at home. Thus, a school-going child may miss her school for a few days upto month (which is ideally not needed). Child may develop chickenpox during the examination period, which is usually held during March-April, which is also peak period for developing chickenpox (in winter). The rash may leave behind a permanent scar, which, for cosmetic reasons, may cause concern during adolescence or adulthood.

Last created on 6-11-2000
Last updated on 18-11-2006