How long does it take to treat chickenpox?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on March 28, 2025
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Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. It can be spread through air or droplets by mutual contact. Once infected, the disease can generally be cured within about a week or ten days with proper treatment. During the treatment period, it is essential to drink plenty of water, avoid crowded places, and avoid contact with children or older people to prevent spreading the virus to others. It is also crucial to rest, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and not stay up late. If fever occurs, appropriate fever-reducing medication can be taken.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What should you pay attention to when you have chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus. Once the disease appears, it is important to isolate oneself, avoid crowded places, and avoid contact with children or elderly people, as they are more susceptible to widespread infection. During treatment, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, rest, avoid spicy or irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late. Since chickenpox causes numerous blisters on the body, it is important to protect the affected areas to prevent secondary infections. Treatment usually involves common antiviral medications and typically lasts about a week. During treatment, it is also important not to bathe and to avoid exposure to cold drafts.

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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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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.

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Written by Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
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When to get the chickenpox vaccine?

Chickenpox primarily affects infants and children, and the target group for chickenpox vaccination is mainly 1-12 years old. During this age period, most children enter preschool or elementary school institutions, and the chickenpox virus is highly contagious, transmittable through droplets and contact. Once one child contracts chickenpox, the surrounding children are almost certain to be infected too. Additionally, since there are currently no effective medications to cure chickenpox, it is best to vaccinate within this age range, namely 1-12 years old. Adults can receive the chickenpox vaccine without age restrictions. The timing can be decided based on individual circumstances, but it is generally recommended to get vaccinated before the onset of the peak season for chickenpox, which is best before the spring and winter seasons.

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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.