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The main symptom of chickenpox is a rash. It will most likely start about two to three weeks after you come into contact with someone who has it.

Before the rash appears, you may also:

• Feel sick
• Have a raised temperature of about 100 degrees to 102 degrees.

The rash will probably start on your upper body, face or scalp. Later, you may get it on your legs and arms.

At first you will get blisters, which are itchy and filled with fluid.¹ After a few days, the blisters will crust over and form a scab. The blisters from chickenpox don't usually leave a scar unless they get infected. This can happen if you scratch them. You can use calamine lotion or another type of cream to reduce the itching. You can buy this at the drugstore.

Your doctor can probably tell whether you have chickenpox by looking at your rash.² If your doctor is not sure that you have chickenpox, you can have a test done on the fluid in your blisters or on your blood.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.