Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an infectious disease that results in blister-like rashes, itching, tiredness, and fever. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. In most cases, the condition can be treated at home through close monitoring of the symptoms. The varicella vaccine is widely available for the prevention of chickenpox.

 

An Introduction to Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), a virus that is part of the herpes virus family. Chickenpox results in a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever.
 
Before the introduction of the varicella vaccine in 1995, approximately 4 million cases of chickenpox were reported annually, including 4,000 to 9,000 hospitalizations and 100 deaths. Since the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine, the number of cases has dropped dramatically.
 

Symptoms of Chickenpox

Symptoms of chickenpox can begin with 1 to 2 days of low-grade fever and tiredness. These early symptoms of chickenpox do not always occur before the chickenpox rash develops.
 
Early chickenpox symptoms are followed by itchy blisters that first appear on the trunk, face, and scalp. These blisters can spread over the entire body, causing between 250 and 500 itchy blisters. The chickenpox rash can appear in three or more successive waves. Eventually, the blisters crust over.
 

Treatment Options for Chickenpox

In most cases, chickenpox can be treated at home. Home treatment for chickenpox involves relieving chickenpox symptoms as the body fights the chickenpox virus. It is important to regularly look at the skin and to make sure that the blisters are not becoming infected. It is also important to monitor other symptoms, such as fever.
 
If a person experiences more serious symptoms of chickenpox, a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Some of these more serious chickenpox symptoms include:
 

Complications of Chickenpox

About 1 in 10 children who first have chickenpox symptoms will have a chickenpox complication that is serious enough to require a visit to a healthcare provider.
 
Most complications of chickenpox are caused by an infection from bacteria. These bacteria can cause complications such as:
 
  • Skin or soft tissue infections
  • Pneumonia (usually more severe in adults and in children over 13 years old)
  • Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
  • Joint infections (septic arthritis)
  • Toxic shock syndrome.
     
Other serious complications directly related to the chickenpox virus can include:
 
  • Infection of the brain (encephalitis)
  • Bleeding problems
  • Cerebellar ataxia.
     

Transmitting Chickenpox

Chickenpox transmission occurs via direct contact with someone infected with the chickenpox virus or through the air from an infected person's coughing or sneezing. Less commonly, chickenpox transmission can occur when someone comes into direct contact with a person who has an active herpes zoster (shingles) infection.
 
A person with chickenpox is contagious 1-2 days before the rash appears and until all blisters have formed scabs.
 

Incubation Period for Chickenpox

The usual chickenpox incubation period is 14-16 days (ranging between 10-21 days).
 

Chickenpox Vaccine

In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration approved the varicella vaccine, also known as the chickenpox vaccine, for the prevention of chickenpox. The chickenpox vaccine is now widely available in private doctors' offices and public health clinics.
 
The chickenpox vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox, therefore protecting children and adults from the severe complications (including death) that can occur with chickenpox.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD