What Are the Symptoms of Chicken Pox?

Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The main symptoms include skin rashes, fever and fatigue. Since chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection, it is important to isolate infected children to prevent its spread. However, the best way to stay safe from chickenpox is through vaccination, as vaccinated kids are less likely to get infected. Read this article to learn more about the symptoms of chickenpox to seek timely medical help.

What are the Three Stages of Chickenpox?

The three stages of chickenpox are:

• In the first stage, red and bumpy rashes, called papules, appear on the body. Usually, rashes first appear on the torso, mainly in the back and stomach areas.

• In the second stage, the rashes get filled with fluids and are called vesicles. The vesicles may start bursting.

• In the third stage, the blisters scab over. These blisters can appear anywhere on the body, from the inside of the mouth to the eyelids and even the genitals.

It is important to note that although the rash progresses through three stages, there may be different types of bumps at the same time. While some bumps may be forming, others may be already breaking open. The three stages of chickenpox may last up to 10 days in total.

Where Does Chickenpox Usually Start?

Chickenpox usually starts on the face and torso (trunk) and then spreads to the rest of the body, including fingers and toes. It typically begins as red spots that gradually turn into itchy blisters, which then scab over as the infection progresses.

Symptoms of Chickenpox

The main symptoms of chickenpox are blister-like skin rashes. The symptoms appear in three stages and the disease may last 4-7 days.

The other symptoms of chickenpox are as follows:

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Headache

• Stomach ache

• Skin rashes

• Bumps on the skin filled with milky fluid

• After a couple of days, the blisters become cloudy and scab

• While one group of blisters scab, new blisters appear in groups

• Children with pre-existing skin conditions may get more blisters