Chickenpox and Smallpox Rash Comparison
Source: The U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Differences between chickenpox and smallpox
|
| Chickenpox | Smallpox |
| How initial symptoms
differ |
0 to 2 days of mild illness pass before the rash
develops.
|
2 to 3 days of severe illness pass before the rash
develops.
|
|
Lesions first appear on the face or trunk.
|
Lesions first appear in the throat or mouth, then on the
face, or on the upper arms.
|
| How the rash lesions
differ |
Lesions develop in successive fashion. While some are new,
others are crusting over (in "crops").
|
Lesions develop at the same time, and they look alike on any
one section of the body, such as the abdomen, arms, or face.
|
|
Lesions change rapidly, crusting over within 24
hours.
|
Lesions change slowly, scabbing over after 9 to 15
days.
|
|
Lesions sit on the skin surface and look like small blisters.
|
Lesions become firm, dome-shaped, and deep in the
skin.
|
|
Rash rarely develops on palms and soles.
|
Rash commonly develops on palms of the hands and soles of the
feet.
|
|
Lesions are most concentrated on the torso, with fewest on
the hands and feet. Lesions can affect the face and scalp, but rarely affect
the entire body equally.
|
Lesions are most concentrated on the face, hands, and
feet.
|
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology |
|
Last Revised
| December 27, 2012 |
Last Revised:
December 27, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology