Chickenpox - or varicella - is a contagious, but not serious illness. Indeed, some natural health proponents suggest it is 'cleansing', giving the body a chance to detoxify. Those subscribing to this school of thought see an abundance of spots as a good sign.
Symptoms are a low-grade fever, a headache, sore throat, backache and a blistering rash. This usually appears between 11 and 20 days after infection, and pink spots appear first on the face and scalp, then trunk and limbs. The spots become watery blisters, burst and shrivel, forming scabs after five to 16 days. They are very itchy, and can cause havoc with sleep and mood.
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