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Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a common illness among kids, especially before age 12. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It usually goes away without treatment, but because the infection is so contagious, it often travels through entire families, preschool classes or play groups.
Symptoms
- Red, itchy rash on the skin that resembles pimples or bug bites.
- Often appears first on your child's belly, back or face. It then spreads over the entire body, often including the scalp, mouth, nose, ears, and genitals.
- May include flu-like symptoms: sore throat, stomach ache, headache and/or fever
- The initial rash develops into small blisters filled with liquid that starts out clear, and then turns cloudy.
- Blisters will break, leaving sores that will dry to become scabs.
A child is contagious until all lesions are crusted over.
Treatment
There is no treatment for chickenpox, as it's caused by a virus. However, your child can be protected by getting the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine, usually between the ages of 12 to 15 months. If you think your child may have chickenpox, call his or her healthcare provider. Be sure to ask about recognizing potential complications. If you choose to take your child in for a checkup, let the staff know that you suspect chickenpox to ensure that other children in the waiting room are not exposed.