Possible complications

Most people with chickenpox will make a full recovery. But occasionally serious complications can occur.

These are more common in adults, pregnant women, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.

Possible complications include:

• a bacterial skin infection – this can cause the skin to become red, swollen and painful
• a lung infection (pneumonia) – this can cause a persistent cough, breathing difficulties and chest pain
• pregnancy problems – including the infection spreading to the unborn baby
Some people with chickenpox may develop shingles later in life. This is a painful, blistery rash caused by the chickenpox virus becoming reactivated.