Although many people think of chickenpox as a childhood disease, adults are still susceptible. Also known as varicella, chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus VZV. It is most often recognized by a rash of itchy red blisters that appear on the face, neck, body, arms, and legs. Chickenpox symptoms in adults typically resemble those in children, but they can become more severe.
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You Don't Want to Get Chickenpox as an Adult—Here's Why
These are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the arms, on the chest and belly, and on the arms and legs. Read more about the symptoms of chickenpox. Read more about the causes of chickenpox.
Chickenpox is one of those things you probably got as a kid—either spontaneously or after your parents deliberately exposed you at an early age. Because chickenpox in adults is way worse—or, at least, that's what people say. Adalja, M. First, some basics: Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. It can cause itching, tiredness, and a fever, but the hallmark of the disease is its fluid-filled, blister-like rash.