The 9 subtle signs of chickenpox that have nothing to do with a rash – and when your child MUST see a doctor

CHICKENPOX is characterised by an itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body.

Red spots turn into fluid-filled blisters then form crusty or flaky scabs, which eventually fall off.

But there are actually several other lesser-known symptoms of the condition to look out for.

And some of these can require immediate medical attention, the NHS warns.

Even before any spots appear, you or your child might experience flu-like symptoms, such as:

1. A high temperature (fever) of 38C or above
2. Aching, painful muscles
3. A headache
4. Feeling sick
5. A sore throat
6. Tiredness
7. A stomach ache
8. Loss of appetite
9. Generally feeling unwell

Red marks then appear in clusters, usually on the chest, stomach, arms, legs, face and head.

However, they can show up anywhere, including inside the ears and mouth, and on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The rash tends to start small before developing into blisters, which become very itchy after about 12 hours.

Within 24 to 48 hours, the fluid in the blisters dries up and crusts over.

This skin normally falls off naturally within two weeks.

Chickenpox is a mild illness for most people and it usually gets better on its own.

There is no treatment, but paracetamol can help bring down a fever and calamine lotion and cooling gels can ease agonising itching.

The NHS says that if you spot any of the following abnormal signs, you should see your GP right away:

• Pain in the chest or difficulty breathing
• Signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies, drowsiness and cold hands and feet
• The skin around the blisters becomes hot, red and painful (redness may be harder to see on darker skin)
• Blisters become infected
• Any symptoms which suddenly get worse

You should also see your doctor or call 111 if you have been in contact with someone who has chickenpox and fall into one of the following categories:

• You are pregnant
• You have given birth in the last seven days
• You are breastfeeding
• Your baby is less than four weeks old
• You have a weakened immune system

Known medically as varicella, chickenpox is an extremely common infection.

It affects around 90 per cent of children in the UK by the time they reach age 15.

While usually relatively harmless, some kids suffer serious complications like brain bacterial skin infections, brain inflammation and pneumonia.

There is now a vaccine for chickenpox, which will hopefully soon be given as part of the UK's routine jabs programme.

Two doses will likely be offered to youngsters aged 12 to 18 months after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation gave the jab the green light.