Chickenpox (Vericella)

Chickenpox is caused by the same virus as shingles (Herpes zoster).It is mild disease common in child-hood and infectious from four days before the rash appears until seven days after the rash appears. The incubation period is usually 14 days. The rash which may precede by mild headache or fever begins as red spots, which over a few hours become raised and topped by a clear blister. Over two to three days these small blisters become opalescent and than scab over, with several crops of blisters appearing over a period of five to seven days. The rash can occur on any part of the body-including the mouth and scalp-but tends to be the most profuse on the trunk. No specific treatment is needed, except to relieve itch and prevent scratching with dirty finger nails. Complications are rare and the is not vaccine.