Initial symptoms of chickenpox in children

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 28, 2024
00:00
00:00

Chickenpox is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, characterized by a rash. Initially, symptoms resemble those of upper respiratory infections such as coughing, runny nose, mild fever, and decreased appetite. Subsequently, maculopapular rashes appear on the scalp and face, which gradually develop into vesicles. These vesicles contain a clear fluid, surrounded by reddened skin and are accompanied by itching. Therefore, if a child exhibits symptoms of an upper respiratory infection followed by vesicular rash, it is important to seek medical advice promptly to confirm if it is chickenpox. If diagnosed with chickenpox, isolation is necessary to prevent cross-infection.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
1min 47sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms and treatments for chickenpox in children?

Symptoms of chickenpox in children vary with age. Infants often show no symptoms or only mild symptoms, which can include mild fever, irritability, and refusal of breast milk, accompanied by a rash. Older children may experience mild fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, coughing, and decreased appetite. These symptoms persist for one to two days before a rash appears. The rash initially appears on the trunk and then spreads to the face and limbs. Chickenpox rashes often emerge in batches, so the same area may show maculopapular lesions, vesicles, and crusts at the same time. The crusts typically fall off about a week later, usually leaving no scars. Secondary bacterial skin infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis are possible complications. In terms of treatment, infected children should be isolated until all the vesicles have crusted over. During the fever, they should rest in bed, consume an easily digestible diet, stay hydrated, and practice enhanced skincare to prevent infection of the vesicles. Antiviral treatment within 24 hours of rash onset can control the progression of the rash and speed up recovery. If a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics should be used. In cases where encephalitis causes cerebral edema, dehydration treatments should be administered. The use of corticosteroids is not advisable for treating chickenpox.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
48sec home-news-image

Symptoms and Treatment of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is primarily caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus, and the disease is generally transmitted through the respiratory tract. At the onset of the disease, red papules appear on the body, face, or scalp, which gradually develop into small vesicles. As the vesicles grow, they feel itchy. Scratching them can break the vesicles, leading to oozing and crusting. As the condition progresses, it can peak within two to three days, presenting with widespread vesicles throughout the body. In such cases, antiviral treatment should be promptly administered, such as acyclovir tablets or valacyclovir dispersible tablets. These can be combined with traditional Chinese antiviral medications, such as Scutellaria root oral solution.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
50sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
1min 2sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
38sec home-news-image

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.