Epidemics of chickenpox are most common in the late winter and early spring, and half of all cases affect children between ages five and nine. Once children have had an episode of chickenpox, they are almost always protected against further episodes for the rest of their lives. The chickenpox virus, however, doesn't leave the body. Symptoms and Signs Symptoms of chickenpox may begin at any time within 7 to 21 days after exposure, with most cases appearing between 14 and 17 days. Blisters usually appear first on the trunk and face, then spread to almost everywhere else on the body, including the scalp, nose, ears, penis, vagina, and even inside the mouth.
Some persons have only a few blisters, while others have several hundred.
Scabs form as the blisters break, and broken blisters can become infected by bacteria . Younger children often have milder symptoms and fewer blisters than older children or adults. Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis is based on the the typical symptoms. Almost all children with chickenpox can be treated at home, using simple measures to reduce fever and relieve the annoying itch of their chickenpox blisters. However, aspirin should not be given due to the risk of Reye's syndrome .