Chickenpox Symptoms

First symptoms can include feeling sick,
fever (temperature), loss of appetite
and generally feeling unwell.

Younger children may just seem to be grouchy. These symptoms
are followed a couple of days later by a red rash that looks like
clusters of pimples or insect bites. The rash can appear anywhere
on your child’s body and face including behind their ears, on their
scalp and even on the soles of their feet. Within a few hours, these
small spots develop into fluid-filled blisters that can be very itchy.

This itch is often the most distressing aspect for both parent and
child. Not being able to stop the itch can make even the best
natured child cranky and prevent them from sleeping properly.

Many parents will worry that the ITCH, SCRATCH, INFECTION
cycle might lead to permanent scarring. The number of blisters
will vary from one child to another but after a couple of days, the
blisters should scab over and dry up. New blisters can appear
for several days so it is likely to be 7-10 days between the first
spots appearing and the final blister crusting over.