What Are the First Signs of Chickenpox? Symptoms & Stages

Chickenpox is a contagious infection caused by a virus. It spreads very easily from one person to another, so anyone can get it. Children, unvaccinated people, and adults who never had chickenpox are at higher risk

The first signs of chickenpox are usually mild, such as fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite. After a day or two, an itchy red rash appears, often starting on the face and body. 

Knowing these early signs helps protect yourself, your family, and pregnant women. Early care and vaccination make recovery easier and help stop the disease from spreading.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox, also called varicella, is a contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. 

• The virus can stay in the body and later reactivate as shingles.
• Chickenpox usually starts with an itchy red rash that turns into small blisters and then scabs.
• Early signs may include fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
• In serious cases, doctors may prescribe antiviral medicines or special treatments to prevent complications.

Chickenpox can usually be diagnosed just by looking at the rash; in rare cases, tests may be done. The disease can be prevented with the chickenpox vaccine, given in one or two doses.

Many people confuse chickenpox with smallpox because both cause rashes. However, chickenpox is usually milder and less dangerous, while smallpox was far more severe and has been eradicated. Let’s look at the differences between the two.

Chickenpox Vs Smallpox 

Feature	Chickenpox	Smallpox
Causes	Varicella-zoster virus	Variola virus
Symptoms	Fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, itchy red rash with small blisters	High fever, body pain, painful rash with deep pustules
Severity	Usually mild in children; serious in adults, pregnant women, weak immunity	Very severe, higher risk of death, deep scars
Vaccination	Prevented with varicella vaccine	Had a vaccine; the disease was eradicated globally
Contagiousness	Spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, or contact with blisters	Spread through close contact and respiratory droplets (eradicated now)
Current Status	Still occurs worldwide, mostly controlled with vaccination	Completely eradicated since 1980

Chickenpox Cases in India

• Kerala: In 75 days, Kerala reported 6,744 cases and nine deaths, following over 26,000 cases last year.
• Kolkata: During the monsoon, cases increased. Some people developed severe symptoms, and some were infected for the second time.
• Odisha: One district reported 59 cases, mostly in children under 14.
• Jharkhand: 20 active cases were reported. Most patients have recovered. Routine vaccination is advised.

What causes chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It spreads in two main ways:

• Through the air: When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• By touch: When someone touches fluid from chickenpox blisters.

A person can spread the virus 1–2 days before the rash appears. They remain contagious until all blisters dry and form scabs.

Signs & Symptoms of Chickenpox in Children and Adults

Before the rash appears, a person may show:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Headache or body pain
• Feeling unwell

In children, these signs are usually mild. In adults, they may be stronger.

Main Symptoms

• The rash usually appears 1–2 days after the early signs.
• It starts as red bumps.
• These bumps turn into small, fluid-filled blisters.
• The blisters may break and leak fluid.
• Finally, they dry and form scabs.

In adults, the rash can be larger and last longer. They may also have a higher fever and body pain.

Stages of Chickenpox 

The rash goes through four main stages:

1. Red bumps: Small red spots appear on the face, chest, or back.
2. Blisters: The red bumps turn into fluid-filled blisters.
3. Bursting: Blisters may break and leak fluid.
4. Scabs: Blisters dry and form scabs.

New spots may keep appearing for several days, so all stages can be seen on the body at the same time.

How long does chickenpox last?

Symptoms usually appear 10–21 days after infection.

• The illness, with fever, rash, and blisters, usually lasts 5–7 days.
• A person is no longer contagious once all blisters turn into scabs.
• Children recover faster. Adults and people with low immunity may take longer.

When to See a Doctor

Most people recover with rest at home. See a doctor if:

• The rash spreads to the eyes.
• Fever is very high or lasts more than 4 days.
• Blisters become red, painful, or look infected.
• Breathing becomes difficult.
• You have a severe headache or feel dizzy.

Final Words

Chickenpox usually starts with fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Soon after, an itchy rash appears. Knowing the early signs and stages helps in quick care. Vaccination protects both children and adults. You can also prevent chickenpox by avoiding contact with infected people and following good hygiene.

FAQs

Is chickenpox a communicable disease?

Yes. It spreads easily from one person to another.

How to remove chickenpox holes on the face?

Most marks fade with time, but dermatological treatments like creams or laser therapy may help.

What is the difference between smallpox and chickenpox?

Smallpox was much more severe. It caused deep scars and had a higher death rate, while chickenpox is milder and causes itchy blisters.

Is chickenpox contagious before the rash appears?

Yes, it can spread 1–2 days before the rash and until all blisters turn into scabs.

How long does it take to recover from chickenpox?

Most people recover within 7–10 days.

How to prevent chickenpox?

The best protection is the chickenpox vaccine and avoiding contact with infected people.

Can chickenpox occur after vaccination?

Yes, but it is usually very mild. Breakthrough cases may cause only a few red spots and low fever, and recovery is much quicker compared to unvaccinated cases.

Is chickenpox dangerous during pregnancy?

Yes. If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox, it can cause serious complications such as pneumonia for the mother and congenital varicella syndrome for the baby. Pregnant women who are not immune should avoid contact with infected people.

What foods should be avoided during chickenpox?

Spicy, salty, and acidic foods may irritate mouth sores. It’s better to eat soft, bland foods like soups, rice, and yoghurt. Staying hydrated is equally important.

Can chickenpox be treated at home?

Most cases can be managed at home with rest, plenty of fluids, oatmeal baths for itching, and calamine lotion. However, medical advice is necessary if symptoms worsen.

What is the difference between chickenpox and measles?

Both cause rashes, but measles usually begins with a cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads. Chickenpox rashes appear in crops and progress from red spots to blisters.

Is it safe to scratch chickenpox blisters?

No. Scratching can lead to scarring and secondary bacterial infections. Keeping nails short and wearing gloves at night can help reduce scratching for children.

Does chickenpox always lead to shingles later in life?

Not always. The varicella-zoster virus stays dormant in the body, and some people may develop shingles years later, but not everyone who has had chickenpox will.

How can I care for a child with chickenpox at night?

Keep the child cool, dress them in loose cotton clothes, and use soothing lotions or oatmeal baths before bedtime. Antihistamines prescribed by a doctor may help reduce itching for better sleep.