Chickenpox is a highly contagious childhood disease that once considered to be a rite of passage for children. Since 1995, the chickenpox vaccine has helped children avoid the disease. New antiviral medicines can reduce the severity of the illness considerably if they are started early in those suffering from chickenpox. Being able to treat it early is one of the most important reasons why you should understand what the chickenpox symptoms are.
Key Points
- Chickenpox presents as an itchy, red, spot-filled rash that can break out across the body.
- Generally, your child will recover from chickenpox in 7 to 14 days.
- Chickenpox is preventable with a vaccine.
Chickenpox Symptoms
Chickenpox has an incubation period of 10 to 14 days. A few days before the disease appears, infected people are already contagious. By time you realize someone has chickenpox, it's already too late.
The first chickenpox symptom to appear is also the best known sign of chicken pox. It's an itchy, red, spot-filled rash that begins to break out on your chest, back, scalp, and even your face. Soon it can spread all over your body. The red rash characteristic of chickenpox quickly turns to spots that begin to fill with fluid. Later these will blister and then break open. The spots will continue to show up for many days after the initial rash appears. Usually doctors know immediately upon viewing the rash that the patient has chicken pox.
Other chickenpox symptoms include a fever, a headache that ranges from mild to moderate, a reduction in appetite, a runny nose, and a general feeling of malaise. These symptoms vary in intensity and chicken pox sufferers may only experience a few of them.
Recognizing chickenpox symptoms early will allow you to get prompt medical treatment as soon as the first rash appears. You will be able to get the right kind of medicine to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Chickenpox Treatment & Prognosis
There is no medication that can cure chickenpox. If someone gets this disease, they'll need to let it run its course. There are, however, medications that can promote a fast recovery and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Antihistamines can reduce itching. These are usually applied in the form of a topical cream. An antiviral may be prescribed to protect your child from complications, but this is usually only given to children who are particularly at risk for complications. If your child experiences additional issues that stem from chickenpox infection, your doctor will prescribe an appropriate treatment method.
Prognosis is excellent for chickenpox. Your child will usually recover from the illness in about a week, but it may take up to two weeks for them to fully recover. Encourage them not to scratch their rash, since doing so will delay healing. If your child is still suffering from chickenpox after two weeks, take them to a doctor.
Chickenpox is preventable with a vaccine. This vaccine is completely safe for your child; there is no scientific evidence that childhood vaccinations cause autism or other complications. By vaccinating your child, you are protecting them from an illness that can cause great discomfort. If you haven't vaccinated your child against chickenpox, talk to their pediatrician about getting them a shot.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.