Chickenpox, or varicella, is a viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Red spots, and then small blisters filled with clear fluid – this is what it looks like on the skin. The pathogen, a type of herpesvirus, is transmitted from an infected person through airborne droplets. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted even before the first rashes appear. This means a person can be contagious without showing symptoms of chickenpox.
The incubation period for chickenpox lasts from 10 to 21 days, after which the first symptoms of the disease appear. Symptoms include a rash on the skin in the form of red spots, which then turn into small watery blisters. The number of spots can reach up to 300-500. The rash is accompanied by itching and discomfort for the patient, as well as flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headaches, and fever.
Although chickenpox can occur in anyone, it most commonly affects children aged 1 to 12 years. Sometimes adults get infected, especially those who did not have it in childhood or were not vaccinated.
How Chickenpox Looks: Symptoms and Manifestations
Chickenpox has characteristic symptoms that help distinguish it from other diseases. Let’s look at what typical chickenpox looks like:
- The first signs of chickenpox are a general feeling of weakness, fatigue, and a rise in body temperature to 38-39 degrees Celsius.
- After this, red spots appear on the skin, which gradually turn into small watery blisters. These rashes can appear all over the body, including the face, arms, legs, mouth, and genitals. They are accompanied by severe itching.
- Chickenpox symptoms usually last from 5 to 10 days, but in some cases, longer. The blisters gradually dry up and fall off without a trace or leave a scar.
A person is contagious 1-2 days before the rash appears and 5-7 days after the last spots appear. The patient can infect others even without visible symptoms.
Earlier we wrote: How Does Sun Allergy Look and How to Get Rid of It?
Chickenpox in Children
Generally, in children under 12, chickenpox passes without complications. The rash causes a lot of discomfort. It is difficult to persuade a child not to scratch the painful blisters, but even so, the disease is much easier than in adults.
Some groups of children are at higher risk of complications from chickenpox due to chronic diseases and weakened immunity. These include children:
- with cancer;
- with immunodeficiency conditions;
- with chronic skin and lung diseases;
- taking steroid medications (e.g., for asthma treatment).
Chickenpox in Adults
In adults, chickenpox can be more severe than in children, with complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, vision loss, or other serious health problems. It is especially dangerous for pregnant women and the elderly. What it looks like in adults is very similar to how it occurs in children, but the symptoms are usually more pronounced and last longer.

The main symptoms in adults include a skin rash that starts as red spots, which later turn into small watery blisters. This rash is accompanied by itching and discomfort.
Treatment of chickenpox in adults includes taking antiviral drugs based on acyclovir, which reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications. It is also important to rest and take symptomatic treatments to alleviate the condition, such as fever reducers and decongestants.
How to Treat Chickenpox
Once the signs of chickenpox are confirmed, treatment should begin. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, support the body, and reduce discomfort. The main methods of treating are:
- Bed rest. It is recommended to stay at home for 7-10 days until all the rashes have dried up.
- Symptomatic treatment. Anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing medications (paracetamol, ibuprofen) help reduce pain and fever.
- Topical treatments. You can use drying lotion or anti-itch remedies to reduce discomfort. Any alcohol-based antiseptic will help to reduce symptoms.
- Supporting the body. Maintaining a balanced diet and hydration helps the body fight the infection.
- Prevention of complications. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to prevent complications such as pneumonia or brain inflammation.
These are general recommendations for treating this disease. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor to determine the therapeutic course and avoid complications.
Video: Infectious Disease Doctor on Chickenpox
In this video, a specialist explains in detail the main features and dangers of chickenpox. Learn more about the infection caused by Varicella zoster, how to treat it, and whether it is possible to prevent it.
Conclusion
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease that most often affects children, but can have severe consequences for adults. Timely treatment and bed rest help to avoid complications. The best method of prevention is vaccination, which reduces the risk of serious consequences of the disease.
FAQ About Chickenpox
Almost everyone is affected. Most patients are between 0 and 12 years old. But adults are also susceptible.
The main symptom is a red rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters. High fever and general malaise are also possible.
Generally, treatment is symptomatic to reduce fever and relieve headache. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed.