Chickenpox Lesions in an Adult

A generalized pruritic, vesicular eruption on an erythematousbase developed in a 34-year-old man. His palms andsoles were not involved.The patient reported that he had had a low-gradefever, muscle aches, and malaise for 2 days before the rasherupted. He claimed to have had all requisite vaccinationsand denied any childhood illness. Based on the clinicalpresentation, chickenpox was diagnosed. The patientwas unsure of when or how he had been exposed to thevaricella-zoster virus.Although this patient had abundant lesions, no scarringor other complications occurred. His recovery wasuneventful. (Case and photograph courtesy of Dr David L. Kaplan.)