Signs and Symptoms of Infant Chickenpox

Chickenpox used to be a common childhood illness; however, due to the availability of the varicella vaccine, chickenpox is less prevalent. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the vaccine for all children. The vaccine is given in two doses: one between the ages of 12 and 15 months and one when the child is between four and six years of age. Some people who are vaccinated can still get a mild case of chickenpox. Even in children who are not vaccinated, most cases of chickenpox are mild. However, infants and adults are more likely to have a severe case of chickenpox or develop complications.

Rash

• The hallmark symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, red rash. The rash, which consists of small red bumps that may look like bug bites, often starts on the trunk and face, then spreads to the limbs. In some cases, the rash can cover the entire body, including the mouth, anus, genitals and ears. A chickenpox rash has three stages. First, the bumps appear. Next, the bumps turn into blisters filled with fluid. Finally, the blisters scab over. Because the rash develops over time, it is possible for parts of the body to be involved in all three stages of the rash at once. Children who have skin conditions such as eczema may develop a more severe rash than others.

Fever

• If your baby has chickenpox, he may also develop a fever, often about two days before the rash is noticeable. The fever is typically between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit although some infants may develop a higher fever.

Pain

• In some cases, infants and young children with chickenpox will also have mild headaches, diffuse aches and pains and abdominal pain. Again, these symptoms are most common in the one to three days before the rash appears. In babies, these symptoms can be difficult to notice because infants cannot communicate pain. However, your baby may be more cranky or irritable than usual and may not be as interested in eating.