Usually, there are no symptoms before the rash appears. It usually begins on the scalp, face and back and can spread to any part of the body. Sores smaller than a pencil eraser can be found in the mouth, on the eyelids and in the genital area. As your child scratches, serum spills out from the blisters and dries. Since the rash continues to break out for two to six days, new red spots are often seen alongside old, dried scabs.
Most children have few complications and recover in less than two weeks.
The biggest problem is infected blisters. There is a prescription medication that can help decrease the length and severity of chicken pox. Call your pediatrician for more information. The following self-care procedures are recommended by the physicians at The Children's Mercy Hospital in case your child does contract chicken pox. Encourage your child not to scratch the scabs.