The differences between measles and chickenpox

Infectious Disease

2min 36sec

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.

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 Liu Gang

Dermatology

53sec

Precautions for Children with Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, which is more common in children but can also occur in adults. The peak season for this illness is spring. Therefore, after children contract chickenpox, it is crucial to isolate them to prevent contact with other children or the elderly, as it can spread to others quickly. Typically, conventional antiviral medications are sufficient for treatment. If fever occurs, it is advisable to take some fever-reducing medications appropriately. It is also recommended to have a light diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water. Adequate rest is important, and if small blisters appear on the body, avoid scratching them to prevent infection and more severe symptoms. Generally, this disease confers lifelong immunity, meaning there is no recurrence after the initial episode.

Written by Yuan Lin Yan

Infectious Disease

1min 6sec

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.

Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

44sec

Can chickenpox in children be transmitted to adults?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious exanthematous disease caused by varicella-zoster virus infection. Its clinical characteristics include the successive or simultaneous appearance of papules, vesicles, and crusts on the skin and mucous membranes. Both chickenpox and herpes zoster patients are sources of infection, primarily from those with chickenpox. From one to two days before the onset of the disease until crusting, it is highly contagious, mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and the respiratory tract, or by contact with vesicular fluid. The general population is susceptible, especially pregnant women and people with low immunity, making it possible to transmit to adults.

The differences between measles and chickenpox

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Symptoms of chickenpox

The differences between measles and chickenpox

Precautions for Children with Chickenpox

Chickenpox Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Can chickenpox in children be transmitted to adults?