Pictures, Symptoms, and Treatment of Chickenpox in Children

Understanding Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It primarily affects children, causing an itchy rash of fluid-filled blisters that appear on the skin. Chickenpox used to be very common before the chickenpox vaccine was introduced in 1995. Since then, cases have declined significantly. However, outbreaks can still occur, especially in unvaccinated children. Let's take a closer look at chickenpox, its symptoms, how it spreads, and how to treat it.

Common Symptoms

The most distinctive symptom of chickenpox is the appearance of an itchy rash. The rash often starts with small red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites. These bumps then become fluid-filled blisters. The blisters often first appear on the face, scalp, or trunk and then spread to other parts of the body. Other symptoms commonly seen with chickenpox include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Sore throat

Some children may only get a few blisters while others can have hundreds. The rash tends to be more noticeable in areas where clothing rubs the skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. The blisters usually take about 5-10 days to crust over and heal. New blisters can continue to form for several days, so different spots may be at different stages of blistering and scabbing.

How Chickenpox Spreads

Chickenpox spreads easily from person to person through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also spread through contact with the fluid from chickenpox blisters, either directly or through contaminated objects. The time between exposure and developing symptoms is usually 14-16 days. However, it can take as little as 10 days or as many as 21 days after exposure to the virus to develop chickenpox.

People with chickenpox are contagious 1-2 days before their rash appears until all the blisters have formed scabs. This is usually about 5 days after the rash emerged, but can be longer. The greatest amount of viral shedding occurs in the few days before the rash appears, which is when the infected person is most contagious.

Diagnosing Chickenpox

Doctors can usually diagnose chickenpox simply by looking at the distinctive rash, especially in young children. Older children and adults may require a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. The test looks for antibodies produced by the body in response to the varicella-zoster virus.

Chickenpox should not be confused with other conditions that feature blister-like skin lesions, such as:

• Impetigo - bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus
• Allergic reactions
• Scabies - skin infestation of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei
• Hand, foot and mouth disease - viral infection common in young children

Distinguishing between these conditions requires analysis of the rash pattern, affected areas, presence of fever and other symptoms, and lab tests in some cases. Doctors may also take a sample from a blister and examine it under a microscope or test it for signs of bacteria or viruses.

Treating and Preventing Chickenpox

Medical Treatments

There are no medications that specifically target the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Some options include:

• Antivirals - Antiviral medications like acyclovir may be prescribed for adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems to speed healing and reduce complications.
• Antihistamines - Anti-itch creams containing diphenhydramine or oral antihistamines like cetirizine may help relieve itching.
• Pain relievers - Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen help reduce fever and body aches.
• Antibiotics - If bacterial skin infections develop around blisters, antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Wet dressings - Applying a wet dressing of damp gauze or cloth over blisters can aid healing.
• Avoid scratching - Keeping fingernails trimmed short and wearing gloves at night can help prevent scratching and skin infections.

People at high risk for complications should promptly contact their doctor if chickenpox symptoms appear. High-risk groups include newborns, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

Chickenpox Vaccine

The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get vaccinated. The chickenpox vaccine is very effective at preventing infection and is recommended for nearly all children in the U.S. It is given in two doses:

• 1st dose at 12-15 months old
• 2nd dose at 4-6 years old

Teens and adults should also get vaccinated if they never had chickenpox. The vaccine provides excellent protection, but it's still possible to get chickenpox after vaccination. However, cases are usually milder with fewer blisters and milder symptoms.

The vaccine is made from a live, weakened form of the virus. It cannot cause chickenpox infection. However, some people may develop a mild rash near the injection site after getting vaccinated. People with weakened immune systems should not get the chickenpox vaccine due to risk of disease complications.

Preventing Spread

If you or your child develop chickenpox, follow these tips to avoid spreading it to others:

• Stay home from school, work, or daycare until the blisters have formed scabs.
• Avoid contact with unvaccinated infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid scratching the rash and keep blisters covered.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Disinfect any objects or surfaces that may have contacted blister fluid.
• Launder clothing, sheets, and towels separately with hot water and detergent.

Notify close contacts like family members, friends, and coworkers if you or your child develop chickenpox so they can monitor themselves for symptoms. The varicella-zoster vaccine may help prevent infection in exposed individuals if given within 5 days of exposure.

Living with Chickenpox

Complications

While chickenpox is usually mild in healthy children, complications can sometimes occur. Potential problems include:

• Bacterial skin infections - Scratching blisters can lead to impetigo, cellulitis, abscesses, and other bacterial infections.
• Dehydration - Difficulty eating and drinking due to sore mouth and throat may lead to dehydration.
• Pneumonia - The lungs may become inflamed and fill with fluid.
• Encephalitis - Inflammation of the brain is rare but serious.
• Reye's syndrome - Severe illness that affects the liver and brain, associated with aspirin use in children.

Seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial if any worrying symptoms develop like high fever, breathing problems, extreme irritability, or confusion.

After Chickenpox

Once you recover from chickenpox, you will have long-term immunity against the infection. However, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in your nerve cells and can reactivate later in life to cause shingles. Getting vaccinated helps minimize this risk.

Chickenpox is most contagious in the early stages before and just after the rash appears. Staying home while ill avoids spreading it to others. Keep in mind the incubation period is 10-21 days, so monitor for symptoms for 3 weeks after exposure.

Most children recover fully without any lasting problems. Just be vigilant for signs of complications and contact your doctor with any concerns. With proper care, your child should bounce back before you know it.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, healthy children with chickenpox can be managed at home. However, contact your doctor if your child experiences:

• Fever above 102F
• Drowsiness, confusion, difficulty waking
• Severe headache or stiff neck
• Trouble breathing
• Dehydration
• Very sore throat or trouble swallowing
• Severe abdominal pain or vomiting
• More than 300-500 blisters

Also call your doctor if the rash spreads to one or both eyes. Antiviral medication may help prevent corneal scarring that can lead to vision loss.

Adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems should contact a doctor promptly at the first sign of chickenpox. They are at higher risk of complications and may benefit from antiviral medication or other treatments if infected.

Coping with Chickenpox

Home Comfort Measures

Caring for a child with chickenpox takes patience. Keep your child as comfortable as possible at home while avoiding spread to others by following these tips:

• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches.
• Cut fingernails short to discourage scratching.
• Apply cool compresses to soothe itchy areas.
• Give anti-itch creams and oral antihistamines.
• Have your child soak in a cool oatmeal bath.
• Keep skin clean to avoid infection.
• Avoid heavy creams and lotions that could clog pores.
• Dress your child in loose, lightweight clothing.
• Distract your child with screen time, reading, puzzles, or games.
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.

While contagious, it's best for your child to rest and recover quietly at home. Be sure to monitor for any concerning symptoms requiring medical evaluation.

Managing Itching

For most kids, the intense itching caused by chickenpox is the toughest part. Try the following strategies to help your child resist scratching:

• Trim fingernails short and smooth down rough edges with a nail file.
• Keep hands busy with games, toys, drawing, or other activities.
• Wear gloves or socks over hands at night.
• Apply cold compresses for 20 minutes several times a day.
• Give an oatmeal bath using colloidal oatmeal or an oatmeal soak product.
• Apply calamine lotion to itchy spots and let dry.
• Use an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
• Consider prescribing topical steroids to reduce inflammation and itching.
• Distract your child any way you can.

Make sure to monitor scratching closely. Breaking blisters open increases the risk of bacterial infections. Speak to your pediatrician if the itching is severe and constant despite comfort measures.

Boosting Comfort with Food

Eating can be difficult and painful when mouth sores from chickenpox blisters make chewing and swallowing uncomfortable. Focus on providing your child with cold, soft, bland foods and drinks that soothe the throat and make eating easier:

• Popsicles
• Jello
• Applesauce or pureed fruits
• Yogurt
• Pudding
• Mashed potatoes
• Noodles
• Broth or soup
• Milkshakes
• Smoothies
• Ice cream
• Cold drinks like water, juice, or lemonade

Avoid spicy, crunchy, acidic, or salty foods that can irritate mouth blisters. If your child has difficulty swallowing or is becoming dehydrated, contact your pediatrician for guidance.

Pictures of Chickenpox

Pictures can help identify chickenpox and distinguish it from other rashes. Here are some key features to look for:

• Red bumps and tiny blisters surrounded by pink circles that appear in successive crops.
• Blisters are fluid-filled and look like dewdrops on the skin.
• Rash often appears first on scalp, face, chest, back, armpits, groin and mouth.
• Lesions tend to be very itchy with most concentrated on the trunk rather than the extremities.
• Rash evolves from bumps to blisters to scabs at different stages.

Compare this appearance to other common childhood rashes:

Chickenpox vs. Impetigo

• Impetigo causes blisters more often around the mouth and nostrils.
• Impetigo blisters weep clear fluid and develop golden yellow crusts.
• Impetigo is often superimposed on other rashes like eczema or insect bites.
• Impetigo may show up on exposed areas like legs and arms rather than the trunk.

Chickenpox vs. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

• Hand, foot and mouth causes blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, and sometimes buttocks and groin.
• Lesions on palms, soles and mouths help distinguish it from chickenpox.
• Hand, foot and mouth blisters do not usually itch.
• Fewer spots overall than chickenpox.

Chickenpox vs. Hives

• Hives produces sudden raised, red welts that blanch with pressure.
• Lesions come and go frequently over hours.
• Hives intensely itch but do not contain fluid.
• Usually appear on soft tissue like arms and eyelids rather than the trunk.

Chickenpox vs. Shingles

• Shingles causes a painful rash on one side of the face or body following the path of a nerve.
• Shingles does not cross the midline of the body.
• It has a unilateral distribution rather than scattered lesions.
• Shingles tends to affect adults more often than children.

Being familiar with the appearance of chickenpox assists in early diagnosis and treatment. Pictures help distinguish it from mimickers like impetigo, hives, hand foot and mouth disease and shingles.

[Insert several high quality photos illustrating chicken pox symptoms]

The Bottom Line

Chickenpox produces a very itchy blistering rash, usually in children. It spreads easily through close contact. While typically benign, complications can occur. Vaccination provides excellent protection against chickenpox. If infected, see a doctor promptly if any concerning symptoms develop and stay home from school or work while contagious to avoid infecting others.

With modern medical treatment and attentive supportive care at home, most previously healthy children recover quickly and fully. Just remember to call your child's doctor if they have difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration, severe pain or any other worrying symptoms. Stick

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.