Symptoms and Treatment of Chickenpox

Infectious Disease

Updated on September 10, 2024

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The main symptoms of chickenpox include a mild fever and rash, with some patients experiencing headaches, coughs, and other symptoms. Treatment primarily consists of general treatment, antiviral therapy, and treatment of complications.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

56sec

Can you get the chickenpox vaccine if you have a cold?

Vaccination is generally required when the baby is healthy, as most vaccines are antigens introduced into the human body to elicit an antibody response from the immune system. If a baby has a cold, it indicates a weaker immune resistance and possible bacterial or viral infection. Vaccinating in such a condition could potentially worsen the cold due to the already compromised immune system and may lead to other side effects such as high fever, rashes, or even other infections. Therefore, it is not recommended to vaccinate while the baby has a cold. It is better to wait a few days until the cold symptoms have completely subsided before vaccinating. Generally, delaying vaccination will not affect the baby and will be rescheduled according to the plan. Thus, it is best not to vaccinate when the baby has a cold.

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

28sec

The differences between measles and chickenpox

Measles and chickenpox, though both are diseases caused by viral infections, have clear differences. Measles is caused by the measles virus, while chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Furthermore, measles generally begins with a fever, and after a few days of fever, red spots and papules appear, whereas with chickenpox, clear vesicular papules appear initially on the trunk or limbs.

Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

38sec

How to treat chickenpox in children?

Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease, and when there are no complications, treatment generally involves basic care and symptomatic management. Patients should be isolated, with enhanced nursing care such as frequently changing underwear, trimming the nails of children to prevent scratching, and reducing secondary infections. It is important to maintain good ventilation in the room, provide adequate water and easily digestible food, and use antipruritic agents as appropriate to relieve itching. Antiviral drugs may be appropriately selected, antibiotics can be used for secondary infections, and corticosteroids should not be used.

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

46sec

Do you always have a fever with chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and most infections are accompanied by fever. Some severe cases may even experience high fevers, reaching around 40°C. However, some individuals with stronger constitutions might only develop blisters on their bodies without showing any fever symptoms. Regardless of the type, once infected with chickenpox, it is crucial to treat with proper antiviral medication. Additionally, this disease is highly contagious. Avoid contact with children or elderly people as it can be transmitted through the air. It is advisable to isolate oneself, eat more vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of water, and rest. With treatment, recovery generally occurs within about a week.

Written by Yuan Lin Yan

Infectious Disease

1min 53sec

How is chickenpox treated?

The symptoms of chickenpox often present no symptoms in infants and toddlers, but they may experience low fever, irritability, and reluctance to breastfeed. Simultaneously, a rash appears. In older children and adults, symptoms can include low fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and loss of appetite, followed by the appearance of a rash after one to two days. The rash first appears on the torso and then spreads to the face and limbs. Since chickenpox rash typically appears in batches, at the same site one may see maculopapular rashes, vesicles, and scabs. About a week later, the scabs fall off, generally leaving no scars. However, secondary bacterial infections of the rash can occur, leading to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves itself in about ten days. Treatment of chickenpox involves isolating the patient until all the blisters have completely scabbed over. During the fever phase, bed rest is recommended, along with easily digestible food and adequate hydration. Skin care should be emphasized to prevent infection. Early antiviral treatment can be effective, particularly if administered within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash, as it can help control the rash's progression and accelerate recovery. In cases of secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used. If encephalitis leads to cerebral edema, dehydration treatment should be administered. The use of corticosteroids is not advisable for chickenpox as they can cause the disease to spread.