Symptoms and Treatment of Chickenpox in Children

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Chickenpox is an acute, contagious, exanthematous disease caused by varicella-zoster virus infection. Before the rash appears, symptoms such as fever, discomfort, and loss of appetite may occur. The fever typically lasts about one day before the rash emerges. The rash initially appears on the head, face, and trunk with a centripetal distribution. The rash can present as macules, papules, vesicles, and crusts all appearing simultaneously. Rashes can also appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth and the genital area. The treatment for chickenpox involves symptomatic and supportive care, and antiviral medications may be used appropriately to protect the skin and prevent scratching.

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Is scabies chickenpox?

Scabies is caused by an infection of scabies mites and is highly contagious, generally being transmitted through direct contact, such as sharing clothes or sleeping in the same bed with shared bedding. Typically, the itching is milder during the day and worsens at night. Symptoms include itching, peeling, and blistering between the fingers. In males, red scabies nodules may appear on the scrotum. Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is also highly contagious but primarily spreads through droplets and air. Once infected, it can be treated with antiviral medications. Scabies and chickenpox are entirely different diseases and must be diagnosed and treated separately.

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How to determine if it is chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious, spreading through contact with one another. Generally, the initial symptoms of chickenpox appear as small blisters on the body, which tend to increase in number within a day or two. Some blisters may burst or erode, particularly on the scalp, and are often accompanied by feverish symptoms. The natural course of the disease is about a week, and mild cases can recover spontaneously within a week. It is recommended that if diagnosed with chickenpox, antiviral medication should be administered and isolation should be practiced to avoid contact with children or older adults with weakened immune systems. Generally, treatment for about a week can lead to recovery.

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How is chickenpox treated?

Chickenpox generally has a good prognosis, and does not leave scars after the scabs fall off. Its treatment mainly includes three aspects: First, general and symptomatic treatment. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have scabbed over. Rest in bed during the fever period, consume easily digestible food, and ensure adequate hydration. Enhanced nursing care is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching, which could lead to secondary infections. Second, antiviral treatment. Early use of antiviral medications can be effective. Antiviral treatment within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash can control its progression and speed up recovery. Third, prevention of complications. Antibacterial drugs should be used in cases of secondary bacterial infections. For patients with encephalitis presenting with cerebral hemorrhage, dehydration treatment should be administered. Corticosteroids should not be used in chickenpox.

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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.

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How to treat chickenpox in children?

Chickenpox is a common contagious disease during children's growth. The chickenpox virus usually accompanies a rash and is also associated with high fever that persists and recurs. In such cases, parents should treat mild symptoms at home with symptomatic treatment, including oral antiviral drugs and fever-reducing medication. During the chickenpox, it is important to avoid certain foods that may exacerbate the condition, such as fish, shrimp, eggs, beef, lamb, and specific fruits like mangoes and durian, which are considered to be "heaty." A light diet and plenty of water are recommended. If the chickenpox is severe with extensive vesicles and persistent high fever, hospital visitation is necessary, where IV fluid treatment may be administered if needed. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)