how long for chicken pox to run its course

by Ms. Betty Gislason 6 min read

For most people, treatment for chickenpox

Chicken Pox

A viral infection characterized by red blisters all over the body.

simply involves letting it run its course. Most cases do so without complications in a week to 10 days. 1 Oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines, and other options are often used to ease discomfort and itching in the meantime.

Chickenpox usually runs its course in 5 to 10 days. But if you have the itchy rash caused by the virus, that can feel like a very long time. Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to ease your symptoms while your body heals itself.May 31, 2021

Full Answer

How long does it take to get chickenpox?

May 01, 2022 · Remember that this needs to be done within 3 to 5 days after exposure to chicken pox. But since the chicken pox incubation period is so long, your child might have been exposed to someone at school or day care, and not be aware of the exposure until it …

How long does it take for chickenpox to heal?

Nov 22, 2018 · The blisters and the severity of chicken pox determine the duration of the chicken pox infection period. Normally, chicken pox persists for a period of 10-12 days, during which all the three stages occur, simultaneously. In severe cases, the …

What are the symptoms of chickenpox and how is it treated?

May 01, 2018 · Chickenpox symptoms in adults typically resemble those in children, but they can become more severe. The disease progresses through symptoms that start one to three weeks after exposure to the ...

Is chickenpox life-threatening?

Mar 06, 2022 · Most of the time, chickenpox heals on its own in a week or two. Until then, you can treat the itch and pain with baths or over-the-counter medications. If you think another infection is developing, contact a healthcare provider right away.

How long does it take for chicken pox to finish coming out?

Chickenpox symptoms usually last for 1 to 2 weeks – for 3 to 5 days after first developing the initial spotty rash, new spots can appear across the body. Over the course of 5 to 10 days after the rash first appears, all of the red spots would usually dry out, crust over, and then fall off naturally.

Does chicken pox have to run its course?

In otherwise healthy children, chickenpox typically needs no medical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to relieve itching. But for the most part, the disease is allowed to run its course.May 8, 2021

What are the stages of chickenpox?

The three stages of chickenpox usually refer to the way the rash looks. Stage one is a red and bumpy rash. Stage two is the fluid-filled blistered rash. Stage three is when the blisters break and scab over.Dec 30, 2021

Does antihistamine help chicken pox?

Antihistamines. Lotions or creams that contain antihistamines should not be used for chickenpox. But sometimes antihistamines that are taken by mouth will help relieve itching. Antihistamines taken by mouth may help prevent you or your child from scratching the rash and blisters, especially during sleep.

What time of year is chickenpox most common?

Chickenpox is most common in children under the age of 10. In fact, chickenpox is so common in childhood that over 90% of adults are immune to the condition because they've had it before. Children usually catch chickenpox in winter and spring, particularly between March and May.Dec 6, 2021

Can you get chicken pox a second time?

Most people who have had chickenpox will be immune to the disease for the rest of their lives. However, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissue and may reactivate later in life causing shingles. Very rarely, a second case of chickenpox does happen.

What can be mistaken for chickenpox?

Vesiculopapular diseases that mimic chickenpox include disseminated herpes simplex virus infection, and enterovirus disease. Dermatomal vesicular disease can be caused by herpes simplex virus and can be recurrent.

When should I be concerned about chicken pox?

But see your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: The rash spreads to one or both eyes. The rash gets very red, warm, or tender. You could have a bacterial skin infection.

How long does it take for chicken pox to incubate?

Remember that this needs to be done within 3 to 5 days after exposure to chicken pox. But since the chicken pox incubation period is so long, your child might have been exposed to someone at school or day care, and not be aware of the exposure until it is too late to get the vaccine.

How to avoid chicken pox?

Ultimately, the only way to avoid chicken pox is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is effective in 99% of those who get it; and even those who do get chicken pox later will have much milder symptoms. A child should receive the vaccine at the age of 12 to 15 months, and again at the age of 4 to 6 years.

What are the symptoms of a rash in a child?

Other symptoms might include loss of appetite, feeling irritable and tired, headache, coughing, fussiness in much younger children, and of course, fever. The rash itself will be itchy and annoying to a child of any age, and will make them very uncomfortable, even after measures to alleviate the itching have been taken.

What to do for sores in mouth?

These include oatmeal or baking soda baths, the use of calamine lotion, a gargle of salt water to relieve sores in the mouth, Tylenol given for fever, keeping the skin clean and moisturized, etc. Small children can wear mittens, or you can trim their fingernails to avoid the scratching.

What is Varizig used for?

This is used for those with weakened immune systems, such as very small children, the elderly, pregnant women, premature infants and adults with no immunity.

How does chickenpox spread?

Chickenpox infection is caused by a virus. It can spread through direct contact with the rash. It can also spread when a person with the chickenpox coughs or sneezes and you inhale the air droplets.

How to know if you have chickenpox?

Also, let your doctor know if: The rash spreads to one or both eyes. The rash gets very red, warm or tender. This could indicate a secondary bacterial skin infection.

Is chickenpox contagious?

It causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. Chickenpox is highly contagious to people who haven't had the disease or been vaccinated against it. Today, a vaccine is available that protects children against chickenpox.

Is chickenpox a serious disease?

Chickenpox is normally a mild disease. But it can be serious and can lead to complications including: Bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, bones, joints or bloodstream (sepsis) Dehydration. Pneumonia. Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) Toxic shock syndrome.

What happens if you give birth to a baby with chickenpox?

When a mother is infected with chickenpox in the week before birth or within a couple of days after giving birth, her baby has a higher risk of developing a serious, life-threatening infection.

What is the best way to prevent chickenpox?

The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that the vaccine provides complete protection from the virus for nearly 98 percent of people who receive both of the recommended doses. When the vaccine doesn't provide complete protection, it significantly lessens the severity of chickenpox.

How long does it take for a blister to heal?

Crusts and scabs, which cover the broken blisters and take several more days to heal.

Can you scratch with chickenpox?

The best defense against scratching is not having anything to scratch with at all (at least anything sharp). Scratching a chickenpox rash can cause the blisters to open, leaving skin vulnerable to secondary infections and permanent scarring.

How to prevent chickenpox?

Preventing Chickenpox: From Handwashing to Vaccination. For most people, treatment for chickenpox simply involves letting it run its course. Most cases do so without complications in a week to 10 days. 1  Oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines, and other options are often used to ease discomfort ...

What is the best medicine for chickenpox?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen), both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help relieve many of these symptoms. If you have a young child with chickenpox, it's important to make sure the dose you give her is appropriate for her age and weight.

Can you give a child chickenpox?

If you have a young child with chickenpox, it's important to make sure the dose you give her is appropriate for her age and weight. This information is on the medication's package, but check with your child's doctor if you're in doubt.

Can you take antibiotics for chickenpox?

Because chickenpox is caused by a virus (varicella), it won't respond to antibiotics, but there is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes outbreaks called Zovirax (acyclovir) that's sometimes helpful for certain people with chickenpox. 3. The timing is tricky, though.

How to get rid of blisters that are oozing fluid?

For blisters that have ruptured and are oozing fluid, a soak in lukewarm bath water mixed with baking soda can help dry out the blisters and also relieve itching. Aim to do this two or three times a day. Measure the depth of your bathtub, then get a rough sense of how many inches of water you've added.

What is calamine lotion?

Calamine lotion is an OTC product containing either zinc oxide or zinc carbonate, ingredients commonly used to treat diaper rash and contact dermatitis. It's an effective itch-reliever when dabbed directly on the affected area and allowed to dry. You may remember this as the pink lotion you put on bug bites as a child, though it is now also available in clear forms.

How long does chicken pox last?

The blisters and the severity of chicken pox determine the duration of the chicken pox infection period. Normally, chicken pox persists for a period of 10-12 days , during which all the three stages occur, simultaneously. In severe cases, the chicken pox infection can last for longer. As the infection spreads all over the body in 48 hours, the first stage takes over 1-2 days. The next stage of chicken pox takes 4-5 days; while the last stage of chicken pox requires another 3-4 days. This is the tentative infection period for chicken pox.

How long does it take for chicken pox to show symptoms?

The symptoms of chicken pox generally appear after 10 to 21 days of exposure to the virus. Chicken pox symptoms arrive in 3 stages. Go through the following article to know all about the stages of chicken pox. Advertisement.

Can chicken pox cause scars?

It is during this early stage of chicken pox that one must take utmost care of the bumps. Bursting any of these chicken pox bumps can lead to scars. The liquid within the bump can spread and cause formation of new bumps on the skin. Therefore, the more cautiously one stays during the first stage of chicken pox, ...

When did chicken pox become a problem?

Advertisement. Chicken pox was considered to be a challenging issue of childhood until the development of the chicken pox vaccine in 1980. But today, with the easy availability of vaccines, this health problem has become less prevalent and more manageable.

What are the red bumps on my back?

Chicken pox infection typically begins with the appearance of small red bumps on the back and head and back. These chicken pox bumps rapidly spread across the entire body including the mouth, eyelids and genitals.

How long does it take for chickenpox to stop?

For adults, new chickenpox spots often stop appearing by the seventh day. After 10–14 days, the blisters scab over. Once the blisters are scabbed over, you are no longer contagious.

Does chickenpox go away?

If you’ve had chickenpox, then you still have the varicella-zoster virus in your nerve cells. It never goes away and it can lie dormant for years. Even though you are now most likely immune to reinfection from the chickenpox virus, you’re at risk of another disease: shingles.

How long does it take for chickenpox to spread?

Thereafter, the blisters will rapidly spread, covering most of the body within 10 to 12 hours .

What is the first sign of chickenpox?

Prodromal Phase. JGI / Tom Grill / Getty Images. The first sign of chickenpox in children and adults is a headache, nausea, muscle aches, and malaise (a general feeling of unwellness). A runny nose and cough are also common.

How to tell if a child has chickenpox?

While most chickenpox infections are uncomplicated and readily managed at home, call your doctor if your child experiences any of the following: 1 A red, warm, or tender rash suggestive of a secondary infection 2 The development of rash in one or both eyes 3 High fever (over 102 degrees), disorientation, stiff neck, shortness of breath, tremors, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat, which are suggestive of encephalitis and sepsis

Is chickenpox contagious?

on May 22, 2020. Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It's characterized by the outbreak of a blister-like rash that appears first on the face and trunk, and then quickly spreads over the body. While many can easily identify (or suspect) a case, perhaps because of known exposure or knowledge ...

Is there a cure for chickenpox?

While there is a vaccine able to prevent chickenpox, there is no cure, and the varicella-zoster virus is easily spread from person to person. 1  While chickenpox is largely considered a childhood disease, anyone who has not been previously infected or vaccinated is at risk.

Can you get chickenpox from someone?

VZV Transmission. While there is a vaccine able to prevent chickenpox, there is no cure, and the varicella-zoster virus is easily spread from person to person. 1  While chickenpox is largely considered a childhood disease, anyone who has not been previously infected or vaccinated is at risk.

What are the complications of chickenpox?

Adults newly infected with chickenpox are more likely to experience severe illness and ​​complications, including pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). 2  If needed, antiviral drugs may be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of the illness.

What is the treatment?

Chicken pox is a common disease that occurs in children around 12 years of age. The disease is contagious and is caused by the spread of the varicella-zoster virus. The symptoms that you experience with chickenpox include itchiness, burning, a rash or boils, fever and fatigue.

How is the treatment done?

There is no particular procedure for the treatment of chicken pox but the process of treatment can include the following:

Who is eligible for the treatment? (When is the treatment done?)

The people who are eligible for treatment of chickenpox with anti-viral drugs are as follows:

Who is not eligible for the treatment?

All parents must vaccinate their babies with the chicken pox vaccine. This prevents the development of the condition later. Mostly everyone is eligible for treatment of chickenpox by vaccination, with regular treatment or anti-viral drugs. People are rarely ineligible for the treatment of chicken pox.

Are there any side effects?

The side effects from the chickenpox vaccination are minor. These include; soreness, redness and mild pain.

What are the post-treatment guidelines?

People who have been affected by the chickenpox virus should follow these guidelines:

How long does it take to recover?

In general, healthy children take around one-two weeks to recover from chickenpox. The recovery from the vaccine can take a few days or even a week. Whereas the recovery from antiviral drugs like Acyclovir can take a few weeks.

How long does chickenpox last?

They then transform into ulcers that are shallow and yellow or gray in color. They also don’t crust over. Chickenpox usually lasts less than two weeks. The majority of people who have had chickenpox are immune to having chickenpox again.

How to treat chickenpox?

The general treatment for chickenpox is letting the disease run its course. But you can relieve symptoms by using the following: 1 Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can ease itchiness. 2 Nonaspirin pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can relieve fever. 3 Over-the-counter topical lotions or creams, such as calamine lotion, can soothe itching. 4 A prescription antibiotic ointment can help treat infected blisters.

Is there a cure for chickenpox?

There’s no cure for chickenpox. But once the disease has run its course, most people are immune to chickenpox for the rest of their lives. However, the varicella-zoster virus will live on in nerve tissue. Americans will develop another rash driven by the same chickenpox virus, called shingles.

What is the most contagious virus?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Along with flu-like symptoms like headache and fatigue, its most recognizable symptom is an inflamed, itchy, red rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters. The rash and blisters typically start on the face, chest, and back.

What does it mean when you have a red rash?

Along with flu-like symptoms like headache and fatigue, its most recognizable symptom is an inflamed, itchy, red rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters. The rash and blisters typically start on the face, chest, and back. They ultimately spread and cover the entire body. In some cases, the rash may spread to the mucous membranes in your mouth. ...

What is the best medicine for itching?

But you can relieve symptoms by using the following: Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can ease itchiness. Nonaspirin pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can relieve fever. Over-the-counter topical lotions or creams, such as calamine lotion, can soothe itching.

Can you give aspirin to a child?

Warning. Don’t give children under 18 aspirin, especially if they have a viral infection like chickenpox. The combination of viral infections and aspirin has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare yet potentially deadly condition.

The Beginning

There was a description of an affliction similar to chicken pox more than 2,000 years ago in ancient Babylonia. In the late 800'�s early 900's AD, Muhammad ibn Zakariya Razi, also known as Razi, recorded some of the first known information on chicken pox and noted the differences between measles and small pox.

The Discovery of Being Contagious

Studies were done in 1875 by Rudolf Steiner, which proved that a chicken pox infection was contagious. The fluid from a chicken pox blister was rubbed on the skin of healthy volunteers and when the volunteers got chicken pox, the scientists knew it was contagious.

Beginning of Treatment

In the beginning chicken pox was simply treated by treating the symptoms and isolating the patient. Sometimes there were serious complications, that at times led to death, before modern medicine was available to treat severe symptoms like high fever and the spread of the virus in the body.

Chicken Pox and Small Pox

At the beginning, chicken pox was thought to be a mild version of small pox. An English Physician, Richard Morton thought this disease was a mild small pox infection.

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Overview

Symptoms

  • The itchy blister rash caused by chickenpox infection appears 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and usually lasts about five to 10 days. Other signs and symptoms, which may appear one to two days before the rash, include: 1. Fever 2. Loss of appetite 3. Headache 4. Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise) Once the chickenpo...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Causes

  • Chickenpox infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It can spread through direct contact with the rash. It can also spread when a person with the chickenpox coughs or sneezes and you inhale the air droplets.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Risk Factors

  • Your risk of becoming infected with the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox is higher if you haven't already had chickenpox or if you haven't had the chickenpox vaccine. It's especially important for people who work in child care or school settings to be vaccinated. Most people who have had chickenpox or have been vaccinated against chickenpox are immune to chickenpox. A …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Complications

  • Chickenpox is normally a mild disease. But it can be serious and can lead to complications including: 1. Bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, bones, joints or bloodstream (sepsis) 2. Dehydration 3. Pneumonia 4. Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) 5. Toxic shock syndrome 6. Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who take aspirin during chickenpox 7. Death
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. Experts from the CDC estimate that the vaccine provides complete protection from the virus for nearly 98% of people who receive both of the recommended doses. When the vaccine doesn't provide complete protection, it significantly lessens the severity of chickenpox. The chickenpox vaccine (Varivax) i…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

Image
For most people, treatment for chickenpox simply involves letting it run its course. Most cases do so without complications in a week to 10 days. Oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines, and other options are often used to ease discomfort and itching in the meantime. Some peo…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Preparation

  • But it's easy to make your own oatmeal bath by grinding oatmeal into a fine powder in the food processor and adding it to warm bath water (it should look milky when mixed). Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Prevention

  • Measure the depth of your bathtub, then get a rough sense of how many inches of water you've added. Nationwide Children's Hospital recommends adding one cup of baking soda per inch of water. Remember: Never leave a small child alone in a tub even for a few seconds. The best defense against scratching is not having anything to scratch with at all (at least anything sharp)…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Overview

  • Calamine lotion is an OTC product containing either zinc oxide or zinc carbonate, ingredients commonly used to treat diaper rash and contact dermatitis. It's an effective itch-reliever when dabbed directly on the affected area and allowed to dry. You may remember this as the pink lotion you put on bug bites as a child, though it is now also available in clear forms.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Adverse effects

  • However, do not give aspirin (or any medication that contains aspirin) to a child under 16. Aspirin has been found to put kids at risk of Reye's syndrome. This potentially life-threatening illness is characterized by vomiting, confusion, personality changes, seizures, liver toxicity, and loss of consciousness.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Medical uses

  • On the other hand, Zovirax is strongly recommended for newborns, children with an underlying skin condition such as eczema, or those with a compromised immune system.
See more on verywellhealth.com