Chickenpox (Varicella)CChickenpox (Varicella)Chickenpox (Varicella)EnglishInfectious DiseasesChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinImmune systemConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)Fever;Rash7.5000000000000062.90000000000001271.00000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z
Chickenpox, or varicella, is a common childhood infection caused by a virus. Read about vaccines and treating chickenpox at home.
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a very common childhood infection. It is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster (said like VAH-ri-sell-ah ZAW-ster).
The infection is usually mild in children. But newborn babies and adults can become very sick if they get chickenpox.
Normally, our immune system protects us from infections. Chickenpox is very dangerous to people with immune system problems like leukemia, or anyone taking drugs that weaken the immune system. This includes steroids and drugs given to help organ transplant patients.
What is shingles?
Shingl