Initial symptoms of chickenpox in children

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

Updated on September 28, 2024

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Chickenpox is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, characterized by a rash. Initially, symptoms resemble those of upper respiratory infections such as coughing, runny nose, mild fever, and decreased appetite. Subsequently, maculopapular rashes appear on the scalp and face, which gradually develop into vesicles. These vesicles contain a clear fluid, surrounded by reddened skin and are accompanied by itching. Therefore, if a child exhibits symptoms of an upper respiratory infection followed by vesicular rash, it is important to seek medical advice promptly to confirm if it is chickenpox. If diagnosed with chickenpox, isolation is necessary to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

51sec

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What should I do if my child has chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection and is highly contagious, primarily spreading through the air or droplets. Once infected, it quickly spreads to children or older adults who are in contact with each other. It is best for a child with chickenpox to go to a dermatology department at a formal hospital for antiviral medication treatment. Some children may develop a high fever and can take some fever-reducing medicine appropriately; if there is an inflammatory infection, some anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken as needed. During treatment, it is important to isolate, drink plenty of water, and eat a light diet. Try to avoid going outside in the wind or to crowded places to prevent cross-infection. (Doctor's answer is for reference only; medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, do not take medicine blindly.)

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Written by Huang Kun Mei

Pediatrics

52sec

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Will new chickenpox blisters appear if medication is used after two days?

Medication may still cause new outbreaks of chickenpox two days after its initial use, as the typical duration of chickenpox is about a week, and new outbreaks can still occur. In this situation, it is important to avoid scratching because scratching can easily lead to skin infections and worsen the condition. Therefore, it is vital to avoid scratching. If the itching is severe, a calamine lotion can be applied to the skin. Additionally, it is crucial to consume a light, easily digestible diet, including fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, kiwi, apples, etc., and timely antiviral treatment should be carried out, as chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. (Use of medication should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang

Infectious Disease

56sec

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The Differences between Chickenpox and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Chickenpox and hand, foot, and mouth disease are common infectious diseases in young children. Chickenpox is a febrile rash disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Its rash mainly manifests as maculopapular, vesicular, and crusted lesions, which appear simultaneously. Generally, these are primarily seen on the face and trunk with a centripetal distribution. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is mainly caused by viruses, such as enterovirus EV71 or Coxsackievirus A16. It causes a febrile rash disease with rashes typically found on the hands, feet, and around the mouth. Rashes on the chest, back, and face are relatively rare. Thus, the main clinical presentations of hand, foot, and mouth disease and chickenpox are the different forms of rashes.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan

Infectious Disease

2min 36sec

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Symptoms of chickenpox

Chickenpox symptoms are divided into two phases, namely the prodromal phase and the rash phase: 1. Prodromal phase. Infants and young children often have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, which may include mild fever, irritability, refusal to breastfeed, and the simultaneous appearance of rashes. Older children and adults may experience chills, mild fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, nausea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for one to two days before the rash appears. 2. Rash phase. The rash first appears on the trunk, then spreads to the face and limbs. It starts as red maculopapular rash, turns into papules within a few hours, and develops into vesicles. The vesicle fluid is initially clear but soon becomes cloudy, and itching often accompanies the vesicles. About a week later, the scabs fall off and heal, generally leaving no scars. However, if there is a secondary infection, pus-filled lesions may form, and scabbing and healing may take longer. Chickenpox rashes are distributed centripetally, mainly located on the trunk and then the head and face, with fewer on the limbs. Some patients may also develop vesicles on mucous membranes such as in the mouth, throat, conjunctiva, and external genitalia, which break open to form ulcers. The chickenpox rash often appears in successive crops, so at the same site, maculopapular rash, vesicles, and scabs can be seen concurrently. Chickenpox is generally a self-limiting disease and tends to heal naturally within about ten days. Children usually experience milder symptoms and rashes, while adults have more severe symptoms and are more prone to complications like chickenpox pneumonia. Individuals with lowered immune function are susceptible to disseminated chickenpox, where the rash may merge into larger vesicles. Infections during pregnancy can cause fetal malformations, premature birth, or stillbirth. If chickenpox occurs a few days before delivery, the newborn may contract neonatal chickenpox, which can be quite severe.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan

Infectious Disease

1min 10sec

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What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever is usually mild and may be accompanied by chills, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for one to two days, followed by the appearance of a rash. The rash first appears on the trunk, then on the head and face, with the limbs being relatively less affected. Initially, the rash starts as red maculopapular lesions, which turn into vesicles within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches. The same area can show maculopapular lesions, vesicles, and crusts. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves on its own in about ten days. However, complications such as secondary bacterial infections of the rash, pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis can occur, potentially worsening the condition.