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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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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How is chickenpox treated?

The symptoms of chickenpox often present no symptoms in infants and toddlers, but they may experience low fever, irritability, and reluctance to breastfeed. Simultaneously, a rash appears. In older children and adults, symptoms can include low fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and loss of appetite, followed by the appearance of a rash after one to two days. The rash first appears on the torso and then spreads to the face and limbs. Since chickenpox rash typically appears in batches, at the same site one may see maculopapular rashes, vesicles, and scabs. About a week later, the scabs fall off, generally leaving no scars. However, secondary bacterial infections of the rash can occur, leading to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves itself in about ten days. Treatment of chickenpox involves isolating the patient until all the blisters have completely scabbed over. During the fever phase, bed rest is recommended, along with easily digestible food and adequate hydration. Skin care should be emphasized to prevent infection. Early antiviral treatment can be effective, particularly if administered within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash, as it can help control the rash's progression and accelerate recovery. In cases of secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used. If encephalitis leads to cerebral edema, dehydration treatment should be administered. The use of corticosteroids is not advisable for chickenpox as they can cause the disease to spread.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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What should be paid attention to when children have chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease, and when there are no complications, treatment generally focuses on symptomatic relief. During illness, isolation should be maintained to prevent infection and enhance care, such as frequently changing underwear, trimming the child's nails, and wearing gloves to prevent scratching. Keep the air well-ventilated, provide sufficient fluids and easily digestible food. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, antibiotic treatment should be administered. The child should be isolated until all the rash has crusted over.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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Will new chickenpox blisters appear if medication is used after two days?

Medication may still cause new outbreaks of chickenpox two days after its initial use, as the typical duration of chickenpox is about a week, and new outbreaks can still occur. In this situation, it is important to avoid scratching because scratching can easily lead to skin infections and worsen the condition. Therefore, it is vital to avoid scratching. If the itching is severe, a calamine lotion can be applied to the skin. Additionally, it is crucial to consume a light, easily digestible diet, including fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, kiwi, apples, etc., and timely antiviral treatment should be carried out, as chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. (Use of medication should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Can chickenpox in children be transmitted to adults?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious exanthematous disease caused by varicella-zoster virus infection. Its clinical characteristics include the successive or simultaneous appearance of papules, vesicles, and crusts on the skin and mucous membranes. Both chickenpox and herpes zoster patients are sources of infection, primarily from those with chickenpox. From one to two days before the onset of the disease until crusting, it is highly contagious, mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and the respiratory tract, or by contact with vesicular fluid. The general population is susceptible, especially pregnant women and people with low immunity, making it possible to transmit to adults.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.