Signs of Chicken Pox

Chicken pox, which is also known as chickenpox or varicella, is a highly contagious infection that causes a rash. Healthy children usually have a mild case, but the disease can be severe in adolescents and adults. Chicken pox is unpleasant but typically resolves on its own within about a week, sometimes two.
  1. Rash Characteristics

    • The primary sign of chicken pox is a rash. It begins with raised, itchy red bumps that look like mosquito bites. These bumps then become fluid-filled blisters that eventually break open and crust over.

    Rash Location

    • The rash typically appears on the face, scalp, chest and back, but can spread over the entire body, including into the mouth, throat and eyelids.

    Additional Symptoms

    • Children and adults may experience other symptoms before the rash appears or while they have the rash. These include abdominal pain, dry cough, feeling unwell, fever, headache and lack of appetite.

    Complications

    • Complications can occur, including pneumonia, encephalitis, high fever, liver problems, secondary bacterial skin infections, vomiting and other issues. The Centers for Disease Control encourages parents to have their children immunized against chicken pox.

    Reactivation Signs

    • Nearly everyone who develops chicken pox ends up with a lifelong immunity to the disease. The virus may reactivate, however, when the person's immune system is weakened by illness, medication or even aging. Reactivation causes a disorder called shingles, a very painful blistering skin rash.

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