Sores smaller than a pencil eraser, that are sometimes encrusted, can also be found in the mouth, on the eyelids and in the genital area. Within hours, these flat, red spots turn into tiny clear blisters that itch a lot. As your child scratches the blisters, serum spills out, dries and forms hard crusts that loosen and drop off about two weeks later. Since the rash continues to break out for the first two to six days, new red spots are often seen alongside old dried scabs. Some children have very few spots while others are covered.
Most children recover from chicken pox uneventfully in less than two weeks.
Children who have cancer and those who take medications that affect the immune system are at a higher risk of complications from chicken pox. The biggest problem parents face with chicken pox, though, is infected blisters. Also, it is only effective if started within 24 hours of the onset of the infection. It does not interfere with the child's developing immunity to chicken pox. Ask your doctor for more information.