Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and has three stages of skin symptoms. The rash is contagious until all sores are scabbed over, and can vary in severity and location. It is important to avoid scratching to prevent infection and scarring. The rash lasts about 10 days to two weeks and can be prevented with the chickenpox vaccine.
People develop chickenpox rash from the varicella-zoster virus. Skin symptoms have three distinct stages, and these can in part be used to determine the level of contagiousness. Generally, the rash indicates contagion until all sores are completely scabbed. Many other things can be said about this rash: It is itchy, varies in how much or where it appears, and can occasionally become complicated by infection.
The rash stages of chickenpox are sometimes described as papules, vesicles, and crusts. Initially, small, slightly raised bumps or papules appear on the body in various areas. These can occur on the trunk, scalp, arms, legs, face, feet, and hands, but can also develop in the throat or vagina. During the first two to four days of chickenpox, additional papules may occur.
The papules then fill with fluid, marking the beginning of the vesicle stage. The blisters eventually rupture and the sores open before finally crusting over. Until all sores are scabbed, the virus is contagious, but it is also contagious two days before the papule stage begins. This means that it is not always possible to know if a person is contagious, but the state of contagion can be more reasonably guessed after the rash appears.
The amount of chickenpox rash that actually occurs on the body tends to vary. Sometimes infants and toddlers have this disease and will develop at most one or two papules. When the disease is very mild, additional symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, or general illness may not even be noticed, and it may be possible that someone has had chickenpox without family members knowing. Conversely, older people, such as teenagers and adults, tend to have the worst rashes and may feel sicker in other ways as well.
Anyone who has had a chickenpox rash can testify to how much it itches. Soothing baths with oatmeal or baking soda, calamine lotions, or any approved anti-itch cream may help. Trying to stop people from scratching is very important. Scratching creates the risk of infection, and manual removal of scabs causes scarring.
Watching out for infections is one of the most important parts of caring for a chicken pox rash. Evidence of pus, or a feeling of warmth or tenderness in any area of the rash, could suggest an infection. Doctors should also be advised if the location of the rash is near the eyes, as this could cause vision damage without intervention.
The total duration of the chickenpox rash is about 10 days to two weeks. Increasingly, as the scabbing stage is reached, the extreme itching should recede. After the scabs have fallen off, the marks may remain for a while longer and the rash on fragile areas of skin may leave scars. The use of anti-scar products could help minimize this to some extent. People can often avoid the chickenpox rash and its discomfort by getting the chickenpox vaccine.
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