What is Chicken Pox Pictures - 18 Photos & Images

Varicella, also known as "chickenpox," is a common infection in children. Fortunately, a shot or vaccination can be given to your child to prevent varicella from developing. Children who have not had chickenpox or a vaccination should be given the shot by age 13. Once your child has had chickenpox, he/she is immune (cannot get it again).

Chickenpox is caused by a virus (called varicella). This type of virus can be spread from one child to the next. It can be spread by coughing, sneezing and talking. It also may be spread by touching the fluid that comes out of the chickenpox blisters. If your child is exposed, it can often take anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks before he/she will get sick.

Symptoms of chickenpox include:
Skin rash: The rash may appear as small red bumps; first showing up on the trunk and scalp, then spreading to the arms and legs. The rash then forms water blisters, which will eventually break and crust over. It takes two weeks for all the blisters to completely crust over and then scab.
Itching
Fever
Headache

Your child will be admitted to the hospital if he/she:
Is dehydrated - not taking fluids well
Is having difficulty breathing
Has a skin infection