Chickenpox symptoms and treatment in children

Chickenpox, caused by the Varicella zoster virus, is a common infectious disease among children, particularly in kindergartens and primary schools. While often passing without serious complications, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as herpes zoster.

Transmission occurs easily through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as through close contact with an infected person. The infectious period begins one to two days before the rash appears and lasts until all lesions have formed scabs.

Common symptoms include fever, malaise, headache, and loss of appetite, followed by a characteristic rash that progresses from red spots to blisters and finally scabs. The rash typically starts on the torso before spreading to the face, scalp, limbs, and legs. Management generally focuses on symptom relief, such as reducing fever and managing intense itching.