Early Signs & Symptoms of Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is a highly-contagious illness common among children who have not been immunized against it. Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and usually a person only gets the disease once. A very itchy rash is the primary symptom.

Time Frame

• Early symptoms of chicken pox typically appear between 10 and 21 days after an individual is exposed to the disease.

Identification

• The first chicken pox symptom usually is a red, itchy rash appearing on the chest, abdomen, back and face. The rash consists of small red bumps that look like insect bites or pimples.

Effects

• Sudden onset of fever is another initial symptom of chicken pox. Additional early signs may include dry cough, lack of appetite, malaise, stomach pain and headache.

Progression

• The rash develops over 3 to 5 days, spreading all over the body, while other symptoms dissipate. The bumps become fluid-filled blisters that eventually break and crust over.

Treatment

• Symptoms usually resolve without treatment, but a doctor can prescribe medications to lessen the severity and discomfort of chicken pox, and prevent complications such as pneumonia.