What do chicken pox look like at the start

That's usually about 1 to 2 days before the rash shows up. So you could be spreading around chickenpox without even knowing it! Someone with chickenpox can pass it to others by coughing or sneezing, when tiny drops come out of the mouth and nose.

These drops are full of the chickenpox virus. It's easy for others to breathe in these drops or get them on their hands. Before you know it, the chickenpox virus has infected someone new. If you are that unlucky person, how do you keep your chickenpox from driving you crazy? They itch, but you shouldn't scratch them. Scratching the blisters can tear your skin and leave scars. Scratching also can let germs in, and the blisters could get infected.

If your fever goes higher and an area of your skin gets really red, warm, and painful, tell an adult right away. You'll need to see a doctor because you could have an infection. While you have the chickenpox, a pain reliever like acetaminophen might help you feel better, but let your parents help you with this.

Medicines and creams that may stop the itch can also be helpful. Do not take aspirin because it can cause a rare but serious illness in kids called Reye syndrome.

It doesn't usually happen, but let your parents know if you feel especially bad. Sometimes, chickenpox leads to other, more serious illnesses. Most kids don't have any major problems and get better in a week or two.

And when all the blisters have scabs, you're not contagious anymore and you can go back to school! In a few days, the scabs will fall off. In some cases, only a few blisters pop up. By Kristen Finello. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for. Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think Thanks for adding your feedback. All rights reserved. Close Sign in.

The rash first appears on the face and trunk and then spreads throughout the body. Among people who are not vaccinated, it is extremely contagious. Although chickenpox is not a life-threatening illness, it can sometimes cause complications. Chickenpox is most commonly a childhood illness. Before the chickenpox vaccine was introduced in , most people in the United States caught chickenpox as children.

Today, some vaccinated people can still get chickenpox, as well as some people who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised. Those vaccinated people who still get infected may develop milder symptoms. This is called breakthrough chickenpox. Chickenpox symptoms in infected adults who did not get the disease as children may be similar to symptoms in children but they could be more severe.

Those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised are especially at risk. Some adults may not develop a rash. If they do develop a rash, the rash may not spread in the same way. However, if they do get a rash, it may leave deeper marks and scars. Adults are also more at risk for complications such as pneumonia. This is an extremely contagious virus that belongs to the family of herpesviruses that also include herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, Epstein-Barr virus, and others.

There are more than viruses in the herpesvirus family. They mostly affect the skin, mucus membranes, nerves, and tissues. Chickenpox is one of the most infectious diseases.

People who have never had chickenpox, have never been vaccinated, or have a compromised immune system are at the highest risk of infection.

Transmission happens through direct contact between people through coughing or sneezing, or by air. VZV can also cause another condition known as shingles or herpes zoster. The risks of contracting chickenpox and the development of complications are higher in a person with a weakened immune system.

A weakened immune system can result if a person:. There is no cure for chickenpox, but it generally resolves within a week or two without treatment. A doctor may prescribe medication or give advice on how to reduce symptoms of itchiness and discomfort, and also on how to prevent transmission of the infection. A doctor may prescribe antiviral medication during pregnancy, for adults who get an early diagnosis, for newborns, and for those with a weakened immune system.

Acyclovir is one example of an antiviral medication that treats chickenpox. This works best if it is given within 24 hours of developing symptoms. It reduces the severity of symptoms but does not cure the disease. There is no cure for chickenpox, but a vaccine is available for VZV.