A common childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster viris. Children are considered contagious 48-72 hours prior to the rash starting. Your child may feel muscle ache, headache, fatigue or chills the first day or two. A low grade fever may develop as the skin rash develops over the first few days. Skin rash-groups of spots can spread almost anywhere on the body.
Spots quickly change to fluid-filled pustules, then to crusts.
New leisions occur for about 3-5 days. The rash may start the heaviest on the trunk, with fewer leisions on the arms and legs. Frequently, there are lesions on the scalp, mouth, eyelids, ears, and genital area. The rash may cause severe itching. It takes about 7-10 days for all leisions to crust over after the rash has started.