Chickenpox Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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 Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
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When to get the chickenpox vaccine?

Chickenpox primarily affects infants and children, and the target group for chickenpox vaccination is mainly 1-12 years old. During this age period, most children enter preschool or elementary school institutions, and the chickenpox virus is highly contagious, transmittable through droplets and contact. Once one child contracts chickenpox, the surrounding children are almost certain to be infected too. Additionally, since there are currently no effective medications to cure chickenpox, it is best to vaccinate within this age range, namely 1-12 years old. Adults can receive the chickenpox vaccine without age restrictions. The timing can be decided based on individual circumstances, but it is generally recommended to get vaccinated before the onset of the peak season for chickenpox, which is best before the spring and winter seasons.

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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
1min 5sec home-news-image

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, commonly seen in children and prevalent in the spring season. The only source of infection is individuals with chickenpox. It spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact. The disease is highly contagious and the general population is susceptible, but once recovered, long-lasting immunity is acquired. Clinically, symptoms may include mild fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and loss of appetite, lasting for one to two days before the appearance of a rash. The rash first appears on the trunk and then spreads to the face and limbs. Chickenpox rash usually appears in batches, so at the same site, maculopapular rash, vesicles, and crusts can be seen. The crusts typically fall off about a week later, generally leaving no scars. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease and typically resolves on its own in about ten days.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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What fruits can you eat with chickenpox?

When children have chickenpox, they can eat foods and fruits rich in vitamins, such as kiwis, apples, and cherry tomatoes. During chickenpox, it is important to maintain a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding overly greasy and spicy foods. If the chickenpox is particularly itchy, topical calamine lotion can be applied to help relieve itching and prevent scratching, which can lead to infections. It is necessary to treat children with antiviral medications, as chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.