Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
It causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters.
The condition is highly contagious to people who haven't had the disease.
If you think you or your child might have chickenpox, consult your doctor.
He or she usually can diagnose chickenpox by examining the rash and considering other symptoms.
Your doctor can also prescribe medications to lessen the severity of chickenpox and treat complications, if necessary.
Doctor Tariq Mahmood, medical director at Concepto Diagnostics, said: “There are an estimated 651,000 cases of chickenpox in England and Wales per year, resulting in 384,000 physician visits, 2,200 hospitalisations and 20 deaths.
“Making sure that your child is vaccinated is the best way to protect them, yourself and others from chickenpox, as routine vaccination of 11-year-olds with 80% coverage reduces chickenpox cases by two million."
He went on: "Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nearly 98% of people are fully protected from the disease after receiving both recommended doses of the vaccine.
“It’s also advisable to stay educated on the early warning signs of chickenpox so you know what to do if you think your child may have chickenpox.”
Chickenpox symptoms
When asked about how the condition develops, Dr Mahmood said: “Chickenpox is known to appear in three stages: small spots, blisters and scabs.
“Other symptoms, such as a high temperature, a loss of appetite, aches and pains, feeling unwell, headaches and tiredness, are all also associated with the disease and can begin to appear one to two days before rash.
“A lesser-known early warning sign of chickenpox among children is irritability.
“Like with an adult, any combination of the prior symptoms is bound to make you feel a little irritated.”
But you shouldn't immediately jump to chickenpox if your child throwing a tantrum and acting irritable.
Rather, the rash should be the key indicator, and it's most likely to first appear on your child's back, chest or face.
“It’s worth keeping a close eye on those areas if you think your child might also be showing symptoms of chickenpox," said the expert.
“Other unusual symptoms include cold feet, hands, difficulty breathing or few wet nappies.”
How to treat chickenpox at home
For most children, having chickenpox is a normal disease and most get over it quickly with at-home treatments.
The NHS lists the top tips for people suffering with chickenpox, which include:
- Drink plenty of fluid (try ice lollies if your child is not drinking) to avoid dehydration
- Take paracetamol to help with pain and discomfort
- Cut your child's fingernails and put socks on their hands at night to stop them scratching
- Use cooling creams or gels from a pharmacy
- Speak to a pharmacist about using antihistamine medicine to help itching
- Bathe in cool water and pat the skin dry (do not rub)
- Dress in loose clothes.
