Do you always have a fever with chickenpox?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on February 02, 2025
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Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and most infections are accompanied by fever. Some severe cases may even experience high fevers, reaching around 40°C. However, some individuals with stronger constitutions might only develop blisters on their bodies without showing any fever symptoms. Regardless of the type, once infected with chickenpox, it is crucial to treat with proper antiviral medication. Additionally, this disease is highly contagious. Avoid contact with children or elderly people as it can be transmitted through the air. It is advisable to isolate oneself, eat more vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of water, and rest. With treatment, recovery generally occurs within about a week.

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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.

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Symptoms and Treatment of Chickenpox in Children

Chickenpox is an acute, contagious, exanthematous disease caused by varicella-zoster virus infection. Before the rash appears, symptoms such as fever, discomfort, and loss of appetite may occur. The fever typically lasts about one day before the rash emerges. The rash initially appears on the head, face, and trunk with a centripetal distribution. The rash can present as macules, papules, vesicles, and crusts all appearing simultaneously. Rashes can also appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth and the genital area. The treatment for chickenpox involves symptomatic and supportive care, and antiviral medications may be used appropriately to protect the skin and prevent scratching.

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The Differences between Chickenpox and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Chickenpox and hand, foot, and mouth disease are common infectious diseases in young children. Chickenpox is a febrile rash disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Its rash mainly manifests as maculopapular, vesicular, and crusted lesions, which appear simultaneously. Generally, these are primarily seen on the face and trunk with a centripetal distribution. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is mainly caused by viruses, such as enterovirus EV71 or Coxsackievirus A16. It causes a febrile rash disease with rashes typically found on the hands, feet, and around the mouth. Rashes on the chest, back, and face are relatively rare. Thus, the main clinical presentations of hand, foot, and mouth disease and chickenpox are the different forms of rashes.

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What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever is usually mild and may be 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, with the limbs being relatively less affected. Initially, the rash starts as red maculopapular lesions, which turn into vesicles within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches. The same area can show maculopapular lesions, vesicles, and crusts. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves on its own in about ten days. However, complications such as secondary bacterial infections of the rash, pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis can occur, potentially worsening the condition.

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What should I do if my child gets chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious, usually spreading through the air. Once infected, a person can quickly transmit the disease to others within a small area. After a confirmed diagnosis, antiviral medication is needed, which can be administered orally or through infusion. During treatment, chickenpox may cause high fever; if this occurs, appropriate fever-reducing medication can be used. Throughout the treatment period, it is important to drink plenty of water, rest, avoid strenuous activity, and eat a light diet. Try to isolate during treatment and avoid contact with other children or elderly people to prevent cross-infection.