Early stage chickenpox look like mosquito bites, acne, or hives.
Within a day, more spots appear and the rash spreads across the body.
After 12 to 24 hours, papules turn to watery blisters that are extremely itchy.
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The blisters often pop and release fluid that is highly contagious.
Blisters that do not pop will turn cloudy as they dry out and crust over.
It takes about four or five days for chickenpox sores to scab over.
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A person is contagious until all of the blisters have scabbed over.
The early stages of chickenpox may be mistaken forinsect bites,herpes simplex,impetigo, orscabies.
Before the Rash Appears
Chickenpox is a viral infection that spreads easily from person to person.
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resulting from thevaricella-zostervirus, symptoms develop about two weeks after exposureanywhere from 10 to 21 days.
A person with chickenpox is contagious for up to two days before the telltale rash develops.
During this stage, the virus moves from the respiratory tract or eyes to thelymph nodes.
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From there, the virus spreads to the bloodstream.
This is referred to as primaryviremia.
Early Stage Chickenpox Rash
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It spreads through tiny blood vessels that span the skin.
The rash consists of small, raised pink or red spots called papules.
Rash Distribution
Chickenpox can spread to parts of the body that are not usually affected by infections.
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The palms, soles, eyelids, anus, and genitals can all be involved.
The rash comes on in waves over two to four days.
This condition is calledenanthem.
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The sores often look like tiny grains of white sand inside a red ring.
Chickenpox enanthem can be very painful and make it hard to eat.
you could try a topical oral analgesic (pain reliever).
Avoid spicy or acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus.
Early Chickenpox on Darker Skin
Chickenpox sores don’t appear quite as red on darker skin tones.
The exact shade of red will depend on the skin tone.
The sores will be bumpy and itchy.
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People often describe the rash as a “dew drop on a rose petal.”
That’s because the blisters look bright, symmetrical, and almost see-through.
These blisters will be itchy, but it’s best not to scratch them.
It can also cause scars or let in germs that can lead to infection.
During this phase, people often have a low-grade fever.
It can usually be treated with Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Chickenpox Blister on Darker Skin
Blisters will appear as skin-colored fluid-filled bumps.
They may appear reddish on lighter skin tones.
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As blisters break open, the sores crust over as they heal.
These sores appear as dry, crusty scabs on the skin.
During this stage, the disease gradually becomes less contagious and healing begins.
Staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria can lead to:
These secondary infections are not common.
When they develop, they can sometimes spread into the bloodstream.
The result can be a life-threatening condition known assepsis.
Cellulitis may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids given in the hospital.
Avoid touching any open or crusted lesions.
Scars appear dark on light skin and light on dark skin.
They may look like round indentations on the skin.
While scars that appear darker can fade over time, indentations on the skin may last.
How to Prevent Scarring
Trying not to scratch is the best way to avoid scarring.
To reduce itching, try:
When you bathe, use a mild soap.
Blot rather than rub the skin dry with a towel.
When you’ve been infected with varicella, flu-like symptoms usually show up within four to six days.
Then a rash appears and, eventually, blisters form.
Four or five days later, the blisters crust over.
Most of the time, chickenpox heals on its own in a week or two.
Until then, you could treat the itch and pain with baths or over-the-counter medications.
If you think another infection is developing, contact a healthcare provider right away.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Varicella.
Nemours Children’s Health.Chickenpox (for Parents).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat chickenpox.
Stevens DL, Bryant AE.Impetigo, erysipelas and cellulitis.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.Chickenpox.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scars: signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scars: diagnosis and treatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (varicella).
