CHICKENPOX
Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice
Chickenpox on Face
- The spots of Chickenpox progress within 24 hours through the following stages: 1) small red bumps, 2) thin-walled water blisters on top, 3) cloudy blisters, 4) open sores, and 5) and then dry brown crusts.
- Repeated crops of new chickenpox keep appearing for 4 to 5 days.
Therefore, all 5 stages are present at same time.
Chickenpox on the Abdomen
- The Chickenpox rash can occur on all body surfaces.
- The rash is no longer contagious when all of the spots are crusted over and no new spots are appearing. This usually takes 7 days from the first appearance of the rash.
Chickenpox Sores in the Mouth
- Patients with Chickenpox commonly have small sores in the mouth.
- Sores last up to one week.
Chickenpox Rash on Back
- Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus resulting in an itchy blister-like rash, tiredness and fever. It appears first on the trunk and face, but can spread over the entire body causing between 250 and 500 itchy blisters.
Main Symptoms
- Chickenpox progress within 24 hours through the following stages: 1) small red bumps, 2) thin-walled water blisters on top, 3) cloudy blisters, 4) open sores, and 5) dry brown crusts.
- Rash is on all body surfaces, but usually starts on the head and back.
- Repeated crops of new chickenpox keep appearing for 4 to 5 days. Therefore, all 5 stages are present at same time.
- Sores (ulcers) occur normally in the mouth, eyelids, and genital area.
- Fever is usually present (the more the rash, the higher the fever).
- Known exposure to chickenpox 10-21 days earlier
- Main complications: secondary infections from bacteria.
Cause
- Varicella virus.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- Doesn't look like chickenpox, see RASHES, WIDESPREAD AND CAUSE UNKNOWN.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP
Reviewed 8/2004
Revised 8/2003
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