Most people think of chickenpox as a common, almost harmless childhood disease.
However, children who contract it usually run high fevers and feel ill for several days. Chickenpox appear as tiny, clear, slightly red-based blisters that first appear on the child's trunk. Normally, these blisters form scabs and begin to heal in 3-4 days. In rare instances, chickenpox may pose a more serious threat, even to the healthiest of children. Children with suppressed immune systems, those suffering from genetic defects in the immune system, AIDS, leukemia or other forms of cancer, often experience severe complications from chickenpox.