Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a widely occurring infection that is easily transmitted, primarily affecting children. It typically resolves on its own within 1 to 2 weeks without the need for a doctor's appointment, although it can pose serious risks for certain individuals. The primary symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, spotty rash that can appear anywhere on the body. You may also experience additional symptoms before or after the rash appears. The progression of chickenpox occurs in three stages, but it's important to note that new spots may continue to emerge while others are transitioning into blisters or scabs.

Common symptoms:

A high temperature

Loss of appetite

Aches and pains, and generally feel unwell

Be anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and around the genitals, which can be painful

Spread or stay in a small area

Be red, pink, darker or the same colour as surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone

Be harder to see on brown and black skin

1: White skin with stage 1 of the chickenpox rash (thumbnail). 1

2: Light-brown skin with stage 1 of chickenpox (thumbnail). 2

3: Light-brown skin with stage 1 of the chickenpox rash (thumbnail). 3

1: White skin with stage 2 of the chickenpox rash (thumbnail). 1

2: Medium-brown skin with stage 2 of the chickenpox rash (thumbnail). 2

3: Medium-brown skin with stage 2 of the chickenpox rash (thumbnail). 3

4: Dark-brown skin with stage 2 of the chickenpox rash (thumbnail). 4

1: White skin with stage 3 of the chickenpox rash (thumbnail). 1

2: Light-brown skin with stage 3 of the chickenpox rash (thumbnail). 2

3: Medium-brown skin with stage 3 of the chickenpox rash (thumbnail). 3