PG
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Mild severity
· General Physician
Chickenpox
Varicella · Itchy blistering rash
A highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy, blistering rash all over the body. Usually mild in children but riskier in adults.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Most common before age 10
- Typical age
- Children, severe in adults
- Outlook
- Self-limiting; vaccine preventable
- System
- Lungs
Reviewed by a verified General Physician doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Varicella-zoster virus
- Airborne spread and contact with blisters
- Not being vaccinated
- Close indoor contact
- Weakened immunity
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Itchy red spots turning to blisters
- Fever and tiredness before the rash
- Spots in different stages at once
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Calamine and antihistamines for itch
- Paracetamol for fever (not aspirin)
- Antivirals for adults or high risk
- Keep nails short to avoid scarring
- Isolation until blisters crust over
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Varicella vaccine (two doses)
- Avoid contact with infected people
- Isolate cases until crusted
- Protect newborns and pregnant women
Do’s
- Keep skin cool and clean
- Trim nails to limit scratching
- Stay home until fully crusted
- Drink fluids and rest
Don’ts
- Give aspirin to children
- Scratch the blisters
- Visit crowded places while infectious
- Expose pregnant women or newborns
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.