What do chicken pox look like pictures

Courtesy of Varicella Active Surveillance Project. Breakthrough varicella on the abdomen of a vaccinated child. Breakthrough varicella on the back of a vaccinated child. Electron micrograph of a varicella chickenpox virus.

Varicella-zoster chickenpox virus grown in a tissue culture; magnified X. Top of Page. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Chickenpox Varicella. Section Navigation. Immunization Action Coalition.

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From there, the virus will spread into the bloodstream and trigger the initial flu-like symptoms. This is referred to as primary viremia. Even before the outward signs of the disease appear, nasal secretions, saliva, and even teardrops will be extremely infectious to anyone who comes into contact with them. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Secondary viremia, as known as the blister stage, begins as early as 10 days after exposure. This is the stage during which the virus will invade the uppermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis , as well as the tiny blood vessels that traverse the epidermal layer.

The infection will trigger the rapid accumulation of fluid just beneath the skin's surface and the formation of tiny, fluid-filled blisters known as vesicles. People often describe the rash as a "dew drop on a rose petal" due to its bright, symmetrical, and almost transparent appearance.

Fever is characteristic of secondary viremia, usually low-grade and easily treated with Tylenol acetaminophen. Aspirin should never be given to children with a viral infection, as it may trigger a potentially life-threatening reaction known as Reye's syndrome.

Even prior to the development of skin vesicles, there may be an outbreak of blisters on the mucous membranes of the mouth referred to as enathem. While they are triggered in the same way as those on the skin, the oral lesions will often look like tiny grains of white sand surrounded by a red ring. Chickenpox enathem can be extremely painful when they erupt, making eating difficult.

They can be treated with a topical oral analgesic as well as a bland, soft diet with cooling foods such as ice pops, milkshakes, and smoothies. Spicy or acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus should be avoided. The speed by which chickenpox blisters develop can be truly astonishing. The rash will start as tiny red dots on the face, scalp, torso, and upper arms and legs. Thereafter, the blisters will rapidly spread, covering most of the body within 10 to 12 hours.

Many of the vesicles will begin to quickly consolidate and form into larger, cloudy blisters. The itching by this stage will often be intense. In some cases, an oral antihistamine may be prescribed to relieve itching and aid with sleep. Chickenpox can spread to parts of the body that are not usually affected by infections, including the palms, soles, scalp, eyelids, anus, and genitals. Treatment options are limited and are not considered necessary in most cases.

Some healthcare provider may prescribe an oral antiviral drug called Zovirax acyclovir to people with compromised immune systems to reduce the risk of complications and pregnant mothers to avoid fetal harm. As the infection progresses, the immune battle can lead to the formation of pus in the blisters. Pus essentially consists of dead white blood cells and bacteria combined with tissue debris and body fluids.

While many of the blisters will erupt on their own, due to friction and abrasion with clothing, every effort should be made to avoid scratching. This not only reduces scarring, but it prevents the spread of infection even after an erupted lesion has crusted over.

Strategies to reduce itching include:. Only use mild soap when bathing and blot, rather there rub, the skin dry with a towel. After four to five days , as the erupted vesicles start to crust over, those that haven't done so will harden and form little indentations, called umbilication. This is the stage during which the contagiousness of the disease will gradually wane and healing will begin. It is also the time to remain vigilant as the open, ulcerated sores are vulnerable to infection.

This most commonly involves staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. While uncommon, a secondary infection can sometimes spread into the bloodstream, causing a potentially life-threatening condition known as sepsis. A secondary skin infection may be treated with a topical, oral, or injected antibiotic, depending on its severity. Cellulitis may require hospitalization and the administration of intravenous antibiotics and fluids.

You can reduce the risk of a secondary infection by washing your hands regularly with soap, trimming your nails, and avoid touching any open or crusted lesions.

Most chickenpox infection will fully resolve within two weeks. While most chickenpox infections are uncomplicated and readily managed at home, call your healthcare provider if your child experiences any of the following:. Chickenpox can be easily prevented with the Varivax vaccine.