How Did Chickenpox Get Its Name?

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

Why is it called chickenpox?

Signed,

Itching to know

Dear Itching:

The origins of ancient medical names can be like the names of star constellations, in that appreciation of both may require an active imagination. The red bumps of the chickenpox rash were thought by some to resemble chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), hence the name.