Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBefore the Rash AppearsEarly Stage RashBlistersScabsInfected SoresScars
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Before the Rash Appears
Early Stage Rash
Blisters
Scabs
Infected Sores
Scars
Thechickenpoxrash first appears as small, raised, itchy, red bumps on the belly, chest, back, or face. 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. 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.
Chickenpox spots will continue to pop up in clusters on different parts of the body for three to five days. A person is contagious until all of the blisters have scabbed over.
This article discusses more about what chickenpox looks like and how the rash progresses over three stages, offers tips on dealing with itchy skin, and helps you to know when you’re least likely to infect others.
The early stages of chickenpox may be mistaken forinsect bites,herpes simplex,impetigo, orscabies.
What do you need to know about chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox during pregnancy?.Istockphoto.com/Stock Photo©-dmit
The phase that begins four to six days after exposure is called the prodromal phase, which is the period between initial symptoms and full development of the rash. During this stage, the virus moves from the respiratory tract or eyes to thelymph nodes.
From there, the virus spreads to the bloodstream. This is referred to as primaryviremia. That’s when it triggers the first flu-like symptoms, such as:
These symptoms may last for a few days. Even before a chickenpox rash is visible, nasal secretions, saliva, and even teardrops are extremely infectious to anyone who comes into contact with them.
A Guide to Viral Rashes in Adults and Children
Early Stage Chickenpox Rash
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoMilosBataveljic / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
As early as 10 days after exposure, the virus shows up on the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. It spreads through tiny blood vessels that span the skin.
The rash consists of small, raised pink or red spots called papules. They often start on the belly or back and face, and then spread over the entire body, including the scalp, arms, and legs.
Signs, Symptoms, and Complications of Chickenpox
Rash Distribution
The rash comes on in waves over two to four days.
Mouth Sores
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoMoon Safari / Getty Images
Moon Safari / Getty Images
Even before blisters appear on the skin chickenpox pictures in these early stages show how they can break out in the mouth. This condition is calledenanthem. 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 can try a topical oral analgesic (pain reliever). You can also opt for soft, bland, or cooling foods like ice pops, milkshakes, or smoothies. 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.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Chickenpox Blisters
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoAlex Tihonovs / EyeEm / Getty Images
After about 12 hours, the red bumps begin to turn into fluid-filled blisters known asvesicles. 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. That’s because the blister and the liquid inside the blister are highly contagious, so scratching the blisters may cause the virus to spread. 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.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr Mashihul Hossaindermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr Mashihul Hossaindermnetnz.org2023.
Chickenpox Scabs
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photosruilk / Getty Images
sruilk / Getty Images
Chickenpox blisters move on to the scabbing stage, although it’s important to keep in mind that the blisters typically arrive in waves and appear at various stages.
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.
Infected Chickenpox Sores
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boarddermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boarddermnetnz.org2023.
If chickenpox sores become infected, they may begin leaking pus or areas of the body may become red, warm, or tender.
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.
A secondary skin infection may be treated with a topical, oral, or injected antibiotic, depending on how severe it is. Cellulitis may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids given in the hospital.
Chickenpox Scars
Chickenpox blisters don’t usually leave scars, but they’re more likely to if they’re scratched or become infected.
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. If you want to improve the appearance of a scar, a dermatologist can suggest options, such as laser treatments.
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.
Chickenpox Self-Care and At-Home Remedies
Summary
Most of the time, chickenpox heals on its own in a week or two. Until then, you can 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.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus).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. In: Ferretti JJ, Stevens DL, Fischetti VA, editors.Streptococcus pyogenes: Basic Biology to Clinical Manifestations.Oklahoma City (OK): University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; 2016.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.Additional ReadingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (varicella).
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus).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. In: Ferretti JJ, Stevens DL, Fischetti VA, editors.Streptococcus pyogenes: Basic Biology to Clinical Manifestations.Oklahoma City (OK): University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; 2016.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.Additional ReadingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (varicella).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mount Sinai.Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus).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. In: Ferretti JJ, Stevens DL, Fischetti VA, editors.Streptococcus pyogenes: Basic Biology to Clinical Manifestations.Oklahoma City (OK): University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; 2016.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.
Mount Sinai.Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus).
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. In: Ferretti JJ, Stevens DL, Fischetti VA, editors.Streptococcus pyogenes: Basic Biology to Clinical Manifestations.Oklahoma City (OK): University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; 2016.
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).
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