What are the symptoms of chickenpox and zoster?
Approximately 10 to 21 days after a person has been infected with the varicella virus, they will begin to show symptoms of chickenpox. These include fever, tiredness, and a rash that begins on the face and trunk. A person with chickenpox is considered contagious for 1-2 days before the rash until the blisters scab over. Zoster presents as a red, itchy, painful rash that may also blister. The rash is localized to a small patch on one side of the body, the exact location of which is determined by which nerve the varicella virus inhabits. While the rash typically heals on its own, the pain can persist for months or years after the rash disappears. How are chickenpox and zoster treated? Treatment for uncomplicated cases of varicella disease is mainly supportive. If complications occur, then they may be treated with antibiotics or antivirals as necessary. It is important never to give a child under the age of 18 aspirin if they are infected with varicella, as this has been linked with a liv
