What are chickenpox and the symptoms?
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection common among children. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus and typically spreads through direct contact or droplets from coughing and sneezing.
The illness usually begins with mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Soon after, red spots start to appear, developing into small, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles). These blisters eventually break open, ooze, and then form scabs. One of the hallmark features of chickenpox is the intense itching that accompanies the rash. Scratching the itchy spots can lead to infections or even permanent scarring if not properly managed.
Here are the common symptoms of chickenpox:
Fever: Often one of the first signs.
Red spots: These appear in clusters and spread across the body.
Red bumps: Progress into fluid-filled vesicles.
Vesicles with fluid: Small blisters filled with fluid, prone to bursting.
Itching: The rash can be extremely itchy, leading to discomfort.
Crusts: The blisters eventually burst and form crusts as they heal.
While chickenpox is often mild, it’s important to manage the symptoms carefully to avoid complications such as skin infections from scratching.