Is scabies chickenpox?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on April 11, 2025
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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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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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Chickenpox prevention measures

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease, and prevention of the infection mainly involves the following three aspects: First, control the source of infection. Patients with chickenpox are the only source of infection, so they should be isolated until all the chickenpox blisters have crusted over. Second, cut off the transmission route. Avoid close contact with chickenpox patients, prevent airborne droplet transmission, and avoid contact with items contaminated with the chickenpox virus. Third, protect susceptible populations. Chickenpox is highly contagious and generally susceptible in the population. Infants over one year old can be vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine for prevention. Regular exercise, nutritional enhancement, physical strengthening, frequent hand washing, and maintaining ventilation in indoor environments are also advisable.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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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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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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Is baby rash and chickenpox the same thing?

Baby roseola and chickenpox have different manifestations. Roseola usually presents as small, bright red rashes, while chickenpox features small blisters in the center, about the size and shape of soybeans. If roseola is not severe, it can usually heal on its own after a while. However, chickenpox must be treated on schedule. When chickenpox is inflamed, small white blisters appear in the center. Another difference is that baby roseola is generally not easily infectious, but chickenpox can be spread through air and droplets.