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 Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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Chickenpox Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever presents as a low-grade fever, possibly 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, and is relatively less common on the limbs. It begins as red maculopapular rash and turns into vesicular rash within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches, and maculopapules, vesicles, and crusts can be seen in the same area. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that can be cured in about ten days. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have crusted over. Early in the course of the disease, antiviral treatment with acyclovir can be used. It is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching the vesicles to prevent infection.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What should I do if my child gets chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious, usually spreading through the air. Once infected, a person can quickly transmit the disease to others within a small area. After a confirmed diagnosis, antiviral medication is needed, which can be administered orally or through infusion. During treatment, chickenpox may cause high fever; if this occurs, appropriate fever-reducing medication can be used. Throughout the treatment period, it is important to drink plenty of water, rest, avoid strenuous activity, and eat a light diet. Try to isolate during treatment and avoid contact with other children or elderly people to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
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How is chickenpox transmitted?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, and it can be transmitted in two ways. One way is through the secretion of the nasopharynx, such as contagious droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, or talking, which can infect people nearby. The fluid from the blisters of chickenpox is also contagious. The primary rash of chickenpox consists of blisters, and before these blisters dry up and crust over, touching the fluid from these blisters can also transmit chickenpox. Therefore, patients with chickenpox need to be isolated until the blisters dry and form crusts before quarantine can be lifted.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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Early symptoms of chickenpox

The early symptoms of chickenpox generally include fever, and the rash appears as red papules. Later, it can lead to the development of vesicles. In the initial stage of chickenpox, some precautions need to be taken for children, such as avoiding exposure to wind, keeping children away from crowded places, and ensuring a light and easily digestible diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, tomatoes, bitter melon, etc. Regarding care, the room should be ventilated for two hours every day to ensure fresh air. Since chickenpox is caused by a viral infection, some antiviral traditional Chinese medicines can be administered to the child for treatment.