What is Chicken Pox? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Girishma J , Dermatologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

The varicella-zoster virus causes varicella, or Chicken pox, which is a highly contagious infection. Most people recover in 1-2 weeks, despite the unpleasant symptoms. It's a viral illness that causes a rash that looks like blisters. The rash starts on the face and chest and then spreads across the body. It causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. It is especially contagious in those who have not been immunised.

Chicken pox is not a life-threatening illness, although it can cause complications. Chicken pox is the most common infection among babies. Chicken pox can, however, infect adults. It's referred to as a little infection. In severe cases, blisters can extend to the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals.

What are the Types of Chicken Pox?

Chicken pox is a common illness, but there are variations of the disease depending on the severity of symptoms and the age or health of the affected person. Here are the primary types of Chicken pox:

Classic Chicken pox

This is the most frequent type, and usually occurs in children. It starts with a red Chicken pox rash, and later Chicken pox blisters appear. The rash evolves through stages, crusting after a few days. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Chicken pox in Adults

Chicken pox is more severe in adults. In adults, Chicken pox usually comes with a higher fever, more widespread rashes and Chicken pox blisters that may take more time to heal. They also face greater risk of complications such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.

Complicated Chicken pox

Chicken pox, in some instances, can become complicated, causing secondary bacterial infections or other viral complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. This version of thyroiditis is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems and requires medical attention.

Congenital Chicken pox

If a woman catches Chicken pox while she is pregnant, there is the very real risk of the baby catching it too. Newborn Chicken pox rash and Chicken pox blisters can be quite serious and can result in complications, thus prompt medical attention should be sought.

What are the Symptoms of Chicken Pox?

Chicken pox, a highly contagious viral infection, typically causes a red, itchy rash and flu-like symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms early can help manage the illness effectively.

Chicken pox Symptoms in Adults

If you're an adult who's had Chicken pox for the first time, you'll notice the following symptoms:

Body aches
Sore throat
Cough
Fatigue
Fever

Chicken pox Symptoms in Babies

The following are some indications of Chicken pox in children:

Changes in feeding habits, as well as a loss of appetite
As the infant suffers itching or pain, his or her sleeping habits will change.
Excessive crying or a lack of response to pain-relieving efforts.
The rash is preceded by a fever.
Increased sleepiness.

What are the Causes of Chicken Pox?

Transmission through Airborne Droplets
Direct Contact with Rash
Contagion from Asymptomatic Individuals

Chicken pox Incubation Period

Incubation Period: The incubation period for Chicken pox is typically 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. During this time, individuals may not show any symptoms but can still spread the virus to others.
Symptoms Appear After Incubation: After the incubation period, symptoms such as fever, headache, and an itchy rash will begin to develop.

When to See a Doctor for Chicken Pox?

Although Chicken pox is often a mild illness, certain symptoms may require prompt medical attention. Consult a Dermatologist if the rash is severe, becomes infected, or if symptoms worsen to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent complications.

If you develop a widespread or severe Chicken pox rash.
If the blisters become red, swollen, painful, or start oozing pus, indicating a possible common skin infection.
If you have a high fever that persists for more than a few days or returns after improving.
If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent cough.
If you develop severe headache, confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty walking.
If the rash spreads to your eyes or causes vision changes.
If you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have an underlying medical condition and develop Chicken pox.
If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, consult a Dermatologist promptly for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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How is Chicken Pox Diagnosed?

The characteristic rash is generally enough for doctors to diagnose Chicken pox. The doctor can advise you on how to avoid issues and which medications to use to relieve itching. If one develops rashes on the body that are accompanied by a cold and fever, one should see a doctor immediately.

The doctor will use a physical examination of the rashes and blisters to assess whether one has caught the virus. The doctor may also order blood tests or a lesion sample test for additional confirmation.

What are the Treatment Options for Chicken Pox?

Chicken pox doesn't always require medical attention in healthy children or adults. The doctor, on the other hand, will advise patients to do the following:

Prescribe an antihistamine to help with itching relief.
Allow the disease to progress through its natural stages.
Avoid scratching the itch since this can create marks on your skin and lead to additional skin infections.
Wear loose, cotton clothing at home to allow the skin to breathe.
Take lukewarm baths and use unscented lotion. Calamine lotion may also help.
Bathe in oatmeal and gently pat the skin dry afterwards.
Avoid touching or picking at the blisters.
Stay cool and avoid overheating by remaining in a cool, shaded place.

Chicken pox Diet

A nutritious diet is crucial for boosting the immune system and promoting faster recovery.

Here are some dietary recommendations for Chicken pox:

Hydration
Soft Foods
Foods rich in Vitamins A and C
Avoid spicy or acidic foods

Chicken pox Prevention

While Chicken pox is contagious, there are several ways to prevent the risk of getting infected:

Chicken pox Vaccination
Avoid Contact with Chicken pox Infected Individuals
Good Hygiene

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What are the Chicken Pox Stages?

There are three Chicken pox stages in which the infection progresses:

Stage One: Rashes appear in the early stage of Chicken pox. They might also be lumps that are pink or red in color. These are known as papules. They appear on your entire body.
Stage Two: Over the course of the following few days, the bumps will transform into fluid-filled tiny blisters. These are known as vesicles, and they can linger for up to a day before bursting and oozing.
Final Stage: In the third and final phases, the open wounds will crust up and produce scabs. This infection can be passed to other persons until all of the spots crust over.

What are the Risk Factors of Chicken Pox?

If you haven't had Chicken pox as a child or haven't received the Chicken pox vaccination, you're at risk of acquiring it as an adult. Other risk factors include:

Living with children under the age of 12 who have not been vaccinated.
Working at a school or with children.
Staying in a room with an infected individual for more than 20 minutes.
Touching the rash of someone who has Chicken pox or shingles.
Touching clothing or bedding that has recently been used by an affected individual.

What are the Complications of Chicken Pox?

Chicken pox complications can arise, although they are uncommon in healthy people who contract the disease. Chicken pox can cause serious problems in:

A woman who is pregnant and has never had Chicken pox.
A person who is taking an immune-suppressing medicine, such as chemotherapy.
Someone whose immune system has been weakened by another illness, such as HIV.
Someone who is taking steroid medicines for another reason, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
An individual whose immune system has been damaged by a previous organ or bone marrow transplant.

Chicken pox and Pregnancy

The complications of Chicken pox during pregnancy can be serious. If a pregnant woman gets Chicken pox, particularly in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, it can lead to birth defects, low birth weight, or premature birth. Pregnant women who have never had Chicken pox or received the vaccine should avoid exposure and seek medical advice immediately if exposed.

Chicken pox and Shingles

Following recovery from Chicken pox, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the body. Later in life, the virus can reactivate as shingles, causing a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body. Shingles is more common in older adults but can occur at any age after having Chicken pox.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to avoid eating if you have chicken pox?

Don't eat spicy and hot foods.

2. Can you take a bath with chicken pox?

Yes, taking a warm bath can help ease the itchiness and discomfort of chicken pox.

3. How long does it take to recover from chicken pox?

It can take about 1 to 2 weeks for the chickenpox rash to scab over and start healing.

4. Why does chicken pox occur??

Chicken pox occurs when the body is infected by the varicella-zoster virus, which is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with the rash. Once infected, the body reacts with symptoms like a red, itchy rash and fever.

5. Where does chicken pox usually start?

Chicken pox usually starts on the face, chest, or back. It then spreads to other parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and even inside the mouth. The rash begins as red spots, which later develop into fluid-filled blisters.

6. At what age will you get chicken pox?

Chicken pox is most common in young children, typically between the ages of 1 and 1However, anyone who hasn't had chicken pox or the vaccine can get it at any age, with adults sometimes experiencing more severe symptoms.

7. How many days does chicken pox last?

Chicken pox typically lasts about 7 to 10 days. The rash starts to heal within this period, and the individual is usually no longer contagious once all the blisters have scabbed over, which can take up to a week.