Chickenpox rash

Typical chickenpox rash on back of a child, with close-up showing blisters and crusted sores

Chickenpox (varicella) is a contagious illness that causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters (pox) all over the body. It takes about 1 or 2 days for a chickenpox red spot (macule) to go through all of its stages. This includes blistering, bursting, drying, and crusting over. New red spots appear every day for up to 5 to 7 days.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofMay 4, 2017

Current as of: May 4, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine