These red spots will turn into red bumps and then small blisters (vesicles). These spots contain the virus and are highly contagious. These blisters will crust over in several days. After all the blisters are crusted, the person will no longer be contagious. [2] X Research source Insect bites, scabies, other viral rashes, impetigo, and syphilis may look like chickenpox.
Touching an open sore caused by the virus or breathing it in (such as kissing a person with chickenpox) will also infect you. [5] X Research source If you’ve encountered someone else who has a confirmed case of chickenpox, this will help you identify your own symptoms.
Approximately 90% of susceptible close contacts not vaccinated will develop the illness after exposure. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Fever that lasts longer than 4 days or goes over 102 F[9] X Research source Any area of the rash that becomes warm, red, tender or begins leaking pus since this indicates a secondary bacterial infection Difficulty waking up or becoming confused Stiff neck or difficulty walking Frequent vomiting Severe cough Difficulty breathing[10] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
For best results, antiviral medication must be given within the first 24 hours of the appearance of the rash. If you have skin conditions such as eczema, lung conditions like asthma, were recently treated with steroids or have a compromised immune system, antiviral medication will be considered. Some women who are pregnant may also qualify for administration of antiviral medication. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Calamine lotion can be purchased at any grocery store or pharmacy.
Getting chickenpox vaccine is much safer than getting chickenpox disease. Most people who get the chickenpox vaccine do not have any problems with it. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, like severe allergic reactions. The risk of chickenpox vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. [15] X Research source
Adults are at risk for more severe disease and have a higher incidence of complications. By far, the vaccination is preferable to so-called “pox parties” wherein parents purposefully infect their children. The vaccination may cause a mild case of chickenpox, but attending a pox party will most likely guarantee you or your child a full-blown case, which can lead to pneumonia and other terrible afflictions. In this case, you don’t want to attend the party. [16] X Research source
Bacterial infections can also affect other tissue, bone, joints and even include the bloodstream, called sepsis. Each of these infections are dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of more generalized infection to the bone, joint or bloodstream include: Fever over 101 F Area is warm and tender to touch (bone, joint, tissue) Joint is tender or painful to use. Trouble breathing Chest pain Worsening cough General feeling of being really sick. Most children have a fever that resolves early with the chickenpox and although they have symptoms of a cold, they will often still play, smile and want to go for a walk. Children who are septic (infection in the blood) will be quiet, want to sleep often, have a fever over 101 F, increased heart rate and increased rate of respirations (more than 20 breaths per minute).
Dehydration during which the body does not have enough fluid to function properly. This affects the brain, blood and kidneys first. Signs of dehydration include decreased or concentrated urination, being tired, weak, or dizzy, or having a fast heart rate[18] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Pneumonia with symptoms of increased cough, fast or troubled breathing, or chest pain Bleeding problems Infection or inflammation of the brain. Children will become quiet, sleepy and complain of a headache. They may be confused or difficult to arouse. Toxic shock syndrome[19] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Call your doctor right away if you think you may have shingles, as antiviral medications are often prescribed for this, especially if it is caught early. Older adults may benefit from a vaccination for shingles.
