Varicella gangrenosum in adult: a fatal chickenpox complication

Abstract

Varicella gangrenosum is a gangrenous ulceration of varicella lesions involving the skin and soft tissues of the body. The term was coined more than 100 years ago. This occurs due to superimposed bacterial infection. The presentation of primary varicella in adults is more severe with catastrophic systemic complications as compared with children. These complications include necrotising fasciitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, wet/dry gangrene and death, as was seen in our case. Survival is dependent on early diagnosis and treatment. Adequate antibiotic treatment and particularly early radical surgical debridement should be the cornerstone of management. Less than 10 such cases are reported in the literature.