Early symptoms of chickenpox

Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
Updated on December 18, 2024
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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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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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Dermatology
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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 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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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.

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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.