Chicken pox

Chickenpox is also known as chickenpox or varicella. It is a disease that almost every child gets. But how does the disease progress and are there possible complications?

At the onset of chickenpox, a rash will first appear on the trunk that spreads to the face and head. Furthermore, fever, headache, coughing and itching may occur. Typical of the rash are the red spots that develop blisters that then dry up and become scabs.

The rash can last up to 3 weeks, but the children usually heal without complications. In adults there is a greater risk of complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. However, the virus remains in the body for life and can later cause zona or shingles.

Chickenpox is very contagious. The virus is transmitted by droplets in the air when coughing or sneezing and by the fluid in the blisters. The child is no longer contagious when all the blisters have dried up. This usually takes a week after the onset of the disease.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025