Is Itchy Rashes Caused Due To Chickenpox?

Posted on Sun, 12 Jan 2014

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

Sun, 12 Jan 2014 Answered on

Fri, 7 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a shot given to me at our local CVS on 12/23/13. Just two evenings ago I broke out all over with an itchy rash. Could this rash be a light case of chickenpox? Thank you very much.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Please find detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXXXXXX Thanks for writing in to us. I have read your query in detail. The vaccine for Shingles is a protective one and is often taken by the elderly population to prevent an attack of shingles, which though not a fatal condition, often causes a lot of pain and is debilitating. The condition affects more people older than 80 years of age (about 25 to 50 % risk). The only conditions where the Shingles vaccine is avoided is when a person is immunocompromised or taking medications like steroids in high doses or recent chemotherapy. An itchy rash could be due to the result of chicken pox but eventually it should disappear by itself. Please do not worry. Application of calamine lotion on the itching areas will decrease the itching. If it is very severe and spreading all over the body then a consultation with your doctor is suggested. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar