Chicken Pox

Synonyms

Varicella

Definition

The highly contagious chicken pox is transmitted by droplets or direct contact, and the developing spots are the first manifestation of the varicella virus infection. After an incubation period of 8-21 days fever occurs and red itchy bumps appear in phases over several days. At the beginning there is a red papule which develops into a vesicle with an initially clear and afterwards cloudy fluid. The vesicle breaks and leaves a crust. The intensity of the exanthem can vary considerably. It has to be assumed that contagion lasts from one to two days prior to the appearance