Signs & Symptoms of Chickenpox for a Two Year Old

Chickenpox is a viral infection that is common in children. It is caused by a herpes virus and is the same virus that causes shingles in adults. Today, most cases are preventable because a vaccine for the virus is now available. If you child does develop chickenpox, he will likely develop itchy blisters on the skin, which can be very uncomfortable for a 2-year-old. This infection is highly contagious, parents should keep the child home until the skin blisters are gone and symptoms have resolved.

Rash

• The first sign of chickenpox is typically a red, itchy rash that \\starts on the back or abdomen and then spreads to the face and elsewhere on the body. The rash may appear similar to a series of bug bites. It can develop anywhere on the body, including the ears, throat, anus and genitals, and can be very itchy and uncomfortable.<br /><br />As the chickenpox infection develops, the skin rash will turn to a series of fluid-filled blisters that usually develop over a period of two to four days. The number of lesions a child gets varies greatly, but averages between 250 to 500. Children with eczema often get a more severe rash and have more lesions.

Flu-like Symptoms

• Some children will develop symptoms similar to those of the flu one to three days before the rash appears. Your toddler may have a fever, headache, sore throat and a general feeling of being unwell. The fever usually is between 100 degrees and 102 degrees Fahrenheit and can last a day or two. Flu-like symptoms can persist for two to four days after the rash develops.

Abdominal Symptoms

• It's also common for kids with chickenpox to develop abdominal pain or discomfort in the days prior developing the skin rash that is the hallmark of the infection. Some kids also lose their appetite and have mild nausea. These symptoms develop before the rash and can last two to four days after it appears.