Can Chicken Pox Cause On And Off Red Itchy Rash?

Posted on Sun, 21 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 21 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having increasing discomfort with small red almost look like chicken pox they come and go, very irritating iching some times when I scratch they will bleed. I had idea it was a new detergent I used washing clothes, so I got a clear liquid soap with no fragrance that could cause allergies but no luck so far with that. Today I purchased anti-itching cream and that helps, but wow, what is this, could it be chicken pox? Don't know if I had that as a child.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be chickenpox

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Whatever you described about the rash be it small, red, itchy all go in favor of chickenpox. Being a transporter of specimens you are likely to contract one whether you had in the childhood or not. Chicken pox in adults is not uncommon especially in seniors. That said there are other possibilities that can be considered for this kind of rash.

If the rash started within 48 hours you might need Acyclovir which is a specific drug against chickenpox along with the antiitch cream. However you should be isolated from work and family for it can contract to others till the time the lesions scab and fall off.

Please visit a primary care doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D