Chickenpox or varicella is a common infectious disease characterized by blisters and itchy rashes all over the body. It is mostly caused by the varicella-zoster virus in childhood, though many adults might also have it. Most people often experience chickenpox once in their lifetime. With the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in the 1990s, the number of cases has quickly decreased. Here are the 10 most common symptoms to help you identify this disease.
Rashes
The rashes caused by chickenpox often first appear on the face, scalp, and torso, and then spread to the legs and arms. These spots would also lead to lesions on mucous membranes in your vagina, mouth, and eyes. In most cases, they often start as a red papule of 2 to 4 mm in size with a usual border and contagious fluid. After 8 to 12 hours, these rashes would become cloudy and leave a crust. During this time, the disease is most contagious. That’s why you should stay home from work, school, and other tasks to avoid spreading the chickenpox virus to other people. [1]
