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Chickenpox (Paediatrics)

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Common-

Disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (herpesvirus family).

It is a highly contagious disease in children of less than 15 years old that is passed on from person to person by direct contact or by droplets expelled when sneezing or coughing.

It manifests with a skin rash that affects the entire body. The lesions initially have the appearance of spots that turn into blisters later on. Finally, the blisters burst and form scabs. Lesions are very itchy and can be seen at different stages of its development (blister, vesicle, scab). Before the lesions appear on the skin, the patient may present typical symptoms to any viral infection.

The diagnosis is made by reviewing the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination

Treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms. Aspirin and ibuprofen should not be used, as they are associated with complications in chickenpox. The child should be kept apart from people who have not had chickenpox.

Urgent consultation is required in the risk population (such as immunosuppressed patients and pregnant women who have not previously had the infection).

Bibliographic references
  1. Mary A Albrecht. Treatment of varicella (chickenpox) infection. Feb 02, 2016.
  2. Mary A Albrecht. Clinical features of varicella-zoster virus infection: Chickenpox. Feb 08, 2016.
  3. Mary A Albrecht. Epidemiology of varicella-zoster virus infection: Chickenpox. Sep 27, 2016.
  4. Mary A Albrecht. Diagnosis of varicella-zoster virus infection. Jul 06, 2015.
  5. Leung J, Harpaz R, Baughman AL, et al. Evaluation of laboratory methods for diagnosis of varicella. Clin Infect Dis 2010; 51:23.
  6. Chaves SS, Zhang J, Civen R, et al. Varicella disease among vaccinated persons: clinical and epidemiological characteristics, 1997-2005. J Infect Dis 2008; 197 Suppl 2:S127.
  7. Marin M, Watson TL, Chaves SS, et al. Varicella among adults: data from an active surveillance project, 1995-2005. J Infect Dis 2008; 197 Suppl 2:S94.
  8. Heininger U, Seward JF. Varicella. Lancet 2006; 368:1365.
  9. J Garau. Infecciones por los virus del herpes simple y de la varicela-zoster. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 12º edición. 2458:2460.
  10. Richard J Whitley. Infecciones por el virus de varicela-zóster. 1183:1186
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Pimple-like lesions that turn into blisters

    Scattered vesicles

    Skin rash

    Skin with vesicles which 2-4 days later turn into scabs

    Blisters larger than 0.5 cm

Symptoms to watch out for

History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).
Reddish sores that are itchy, break open, and ooze clear fluid or pus
Reddened and painful ulcer in the affected area
High fever (39 ºC or more)
Pregnancy
Headache
If it is accompanied by seizures
Irritability or reduced response to stimuli

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics in case of muscle pain or fever (Tº > 38ºC).
Antihistamines in syrup or tablet form for itching.
Clip and polish the nails.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
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