Medical Health Encyclopedia

Disseminated Varicella. Disseminated varicella, chickenpox that spreads to organs in the body, is extremely serious and is a major problem for patients with compromised immune systems. An immune system may become compromised as a result of diseases such as AIDS, inherited conditions, or certain drugs. For example, disseminated varicella occurs in up to 35% of children with chickenpox who are taking cancer chemotherapy; in such cases mortality rates are between 7% and 30%.

Reye's Syndrome. Reye's syndrome, a disorder that causes sudden and dangerous liver and brain damage, is a very rare complication of chickenpox and other viruses in children who take aspirin. The disease can lead to coma and is life threatening. Symptoms include rash, vomiting, and confusion beginning about a week after the onset of the disease. Because of the strong warnings against children taking aspirin, this condition is, fortunately, nearly nonexistent.

Other Rare Complications of Chickenpox. Other extremely rare complications of varicella include problems in blood clotting, and inflammation of the nerves in the hands and feet, and in other areas of the body, such as the heart, testicles, liver, joints, or kidney. Such cases of inflammation are almost always temporary in otherwise healthy patients.

Complications of Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

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Pain. The pain and discomfort of the active herpes zoster infection is the primary symptom and complication of herpes zoster. The pain usually takes one or more of three forms:

• Continuous burning or aching pain.
• Periodic piercing pain.
• Spasm similar to electric shock.

Such experiences may also be more intense than even normal responses, defined in the following ways:

• Allodynia. This is pain caused by factors, such as a light touch of clothing or a cold wind, which occurs from very little stimulation.
• Hyperalgesia. This is a more intense painful response to a normally painful experience.