The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Chickenpox that are listed by the Diseases Database:
Source: Diseases DatabaseConditions listing Chickenpox as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Chickenpox. Our database lists the following as having Chickenpox as a symptom of that condition:
The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Chickenpox as a symptom.
This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances
may cause your symptoms.
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using,
including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
Read more about medication causes of Chickenpox
Article excerpts about the
causes of Chickenpox:
Chickenpox is caused by Varicella zoster virus and is
usually mild, but it may be severe in infants, adults and persons with
impaired immune systems.
(Source: excerpt from Facts About Chickenpox (Varicella): CDC-OC)
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Chickenpox:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Chickenpox may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Chickenpox.
Herpes zoster results from reactivation of varicella virus that has lain dormant in the cerebral ganglia (extramedullary ganglia of the cranial nerves) or the ganglia of posterior nerve roots since a previous episode of chickenpox. Exactly how or why this reactivation occurs isn’t clear. Some believe that the virus multiplies as it's reactivated and that antibodies remaining from the initial infection neutralize it. However, if effective antibodies aren't present, the virus continues to multiply in the ganglia, destroy the host neuron, and spread down the sensory nerves to the skin.
Herpes zoster occurs primarily in adults, especially those older than age 50. It seldom recurs. It's also seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus and other immunodeficiency disorders.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Chickenpox can occur at any age, but it's most common in children ages 2 to 8. Congenital varicella may affect infants whose mothers had acute infections in their first or early second trimester. Neonatal infection is rare, probably because of transient maternal immunity. However, neonates born to mothers who develop varicella 5 days before delivery or up to 2 days after delivery are at risk for developing severe generalized varicella. Second attacks are also rare. This infection is transmitted by direct contact (primarily with respiratory secretions; less commonly, with skin lesions) and indirect contact (airborne). The incubation period usually lasts 14 to 17 days but can be as short as 10 days and as long as 20 days. (See Incubation and duration of common rash-producing infections, page 232.) Chickenpox is probably communicable from 1 day before lesions erupt to 6 days after vesicles form (it's most contagious in the early stages of eruption of skin lesions).
Chickenpox occurs worldwide and is endemic in large cities. Outbreaks occur sporadically, usually in areas with large groups of susceptible children. It affects all races and both sexes equally. Seasonal distribution varies; in temperate areas, incidence is higher during late autumn, winter, and spring.
Most children recover completely. Potentially fatal complications may affect children on corticosteroids, antimetabolites, or other immunosuppressants and those with leukemia, other neoplasms, or immunodeficiency disorders. Congenital and adult varicella may also have severe effects.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Herpes zoster results from reactivation of varicella virus that has lain dormant in the cerebral ganglia (extramedullary ganglia of the cranial nerves) or the ganglia of posterior nerve roots since a previous episode of chickenpox.
Exactly how or why this reactivation occurs isn’t clear. Some believe that the virus multiplies as it’s reactivated and that it’s neutralized by antibodies remaining from the initial infection. However, if effective antibodies aren’t present, the virus continues to multiply in the ganglia, destroy the host neuron, and spread down the sensory nerves to the skin.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Congenital varicella may affect infants whose mothers had acute infections in their first or early second trimester. Neonatal infection is rare, probably due to transient maternal immunity. Second attacks are also rare.
Varicella is transmitted by direct contact (primarily with respiratory secretions; less often with skin lesions) and respiratory droplets. The incubation period lasts from 13 to 17 days. It’s probably communicable from 1 day before lesions erupt to 6 days after vesicles form (it’s most contagious in the early stages of eruption of skin lesions).
Most children recover completely, but potentially fatal complications may affect children receiving corticosteroids, antimetabolites, or other immunosuppressant agents, and those with leukemia, other neoplasms, or immunodeficiency disorders. Congenital and adult varicella may also have severe effects.
Varicella occurs worldwide and is endemic in large cities. Outbreaks occur sporadically, usually in areas with large groups of susceptible children. It affects all races and both sexes equally. Seasonal distribution varies; in temperate areas, incidence is higher during late autumn, winter, and spring.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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