Chickenpox Symptoms

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease, caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. It spreads easily through tiny saliva droplets dispersed in the air by an infected individual. Despite not being a severe disease generally, its complications can pose serious health risks. Therefore, vaccinations are often administered to many children and adults who are at risk.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The most recognizable symptom of chickenpox is the presence of red, itchy, and raised patches on the skin, similar to insect bites. These patches usually appear on the face, scalp, arms, and chest. Within a short period, these patches evolve into small blisters filled with a clear fluid and later transform into scabs.

The rash may be accompanied or preceded by other symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, malaise, headache, and a dry cough. In some instances, especially when scratched, these scabs may leave small scars after they fall off within a couple of weeks.

Common Symptoms of Chickenpox

• Itchy red patches appearing in waves on the head, face, trunk, and limbs. These patches evolve into small blisters and then into crusts that eventually fall off.
• Itching in the hands and legs.
• Thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by low platelet count in the blood.

Less Common Symptoms of Chickenpox

• Anorexia and asthenia, characterized by loss of appetite and general weakness respectively.
• Blisters on the tongue.
• Chills, abdominal pain, and fever.
• Hydrocephalus, a condition where there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
• Hydrops fetalis, a severe form of fetal anemia.
• Headache, meningitis, and microphthalmia, a developmental disorder of the eye.
• Rheumatism and nephritic syndrome, a kidney disorder.
• Dry cough.

It is important to note that the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily confirm chickenpox. A medical examination is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.