21/08/2026
Signs & Symptoms of Chickenpox
Chickenpox is caused by the _varicella-zoster virus_. It’s very contagious but most people recover fully.
1. Early signs - 1 to 2 days before rash
- *Fever* - usually mild, 38-39°C
- *Tiredness / feeling weak*
- *Headache*
- *Loss of appetite*
- *Body aches*
Kids often just seem "off" before the rash starts.
2. Main sign - The rash
This is what confirms it. It comes in waves over 3-5 days:
1. *Red spots* appear first, usually on chest, back, face, then spread
2. *Turn into itchy fluid-filled blisters* - like small water bubbles
3. *Blisters burst and scab over* - brown crusts
4. *New spots keep coming* so you’ll see spots, blisters, and scabs all at the same time
*Other places it can show*: Inside mouth, eyes, scalp, and private areas. That’s why eating/swallowing can hurt.
3. Other symptoms
- *Severe itching* - this is the most annoying part
- *Mild cough or sore throat*
How long it lasts
- Rash appears → new spots for ∼5 days → all scabs fall off in 1-2 weeks
- You’re contagious from 1-2 days before rash until ALL spots have scabbed
When to see a doctor ASAP
- Fever over 39°C that won’t go down
- Trouble breathing, stiff neck, confusion
- Rash spreading to eyes
- Vomiting, severe headache
- If it’s a baby
