How to Recognize Symptoms of Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is a common and contagious disease that predominately affects children under the age of 12. Although chicken pox is a childhood illness, many adults become infected with the virus each year. Because the illness is highly contagious, it’s best to recognize the early symptoms listed here.

Instructions

1. A red rash on the back or stomach. Oftentimes, chicken pox starts on the abdomen or back, and eventually spreads to other parts of the body. The virus may first appear as a red rash that looks like small insect bites or blisters.

2. Intense itchiness. Several conditions cause a rash, which can look like chicken pox. Persons who develop chicken pox experience mild to severe itchiness after the rash appears.

3. A persistent fever. Because chicken pox is an infection, most sufferers have a fever. Fevers typically run between 101 and 102 degrees. The fever may develop two or three days before the rash appears.

4. A dull or severe headache. Most people who develop chicken pox also deal with a nagging headache that begins before the rash appears and lasts for several days. In rare cases, a mild headache will turn into a migraine. Pain medications can provide some comfort.

5. Flu-like symptoms. Each chicken pox case varies. Some sufferers have minimum physical symptoms that barely impact daily life. On the other hand, a few sufferers deal with flu symptoms, which may include sore throat, coughing, runny nose and overall discomfort.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not scratch chicken pox. Scratching can leave a permanent scar.

Resources

• Chicken Pox--Mayo Clinic