Chickenpox and measles, what is the difference between them?
Viral infections are diseases caused by pathogenic viruses. These viral infections range from mild to severe and fatal. Viral infections commonly cause respiratory and digestive illnesses and also affect the entire body. There are various viral infections, including respiratory infections, digestive system infections, viral hemorrhagic fevers, sexually transmitted infections, exanthematous infections, neurological infections, and congenital infections. Smallpox, chickenpox, and measles are exanthematous infections because they cause skin rashes. They produce swellings or blisters on the skin's surface and spread throughout the body. The main difference between smallpox, chickenpox, and measles is their causative agents. The causative agent of smallpox is the variola virus, while the causative agents of chickenpox and measles are the varicella-zoster virus and the measles virus, respectively.
Table of Contents
- What causes chickenpox and measles?
- What are the symptoms of chickenpox and measles?
- How are chickenpox and measles treated?
- Are vaccines against chickenpox and measles effective?
What causes chickenpox and measles?
Chickenpox and measles are both infectious diseases, but caused by different viruses. Chickenpox in children is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Measles, also called rubeola or measles, is caused by the measles virus. Both diseases were once common childhood infections, but can now be prevented through vaccination. Both are highly contagious and were once considered common childhood conditions in children under 12. Experts believe that 90% of close contacts who have not had chickenpox or its vaccine will develop the condition in case of direct contact. (Source)
The same applies to measles: 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people will develop the condition if they are near someone who has it. (Source)
It is worth mentioning that both viruses are airborne. This means the virus can be caught by inhaling respiratory droplets from someone who has the condition. You can also catch both viruses if you touch a surface or object that someone with the condition has come into contact with. Fluid from ruptured blisters can also spread chickenpox.
Both viruses are also contagious before visible signs of the condition appear.
People with chickenpox can transmit the virus to others up to 2 days before a rash appears. They remain capable of transmitting the virus until all blisters have ruptured and dried. A typical chickenpox infection lasts between 4 and 7 days. People in high-risk groups, such as those with a weakened immune system, may have the condition for longer. Unfortunately, they can also develop complications as a result of the infection. (Source)
People with measles can transmit the virus up to 4 days before a rash appears. They are then able to transmit the virus for another 4 days after the rash appears.
Recovery from measles can take longer, sometimes 2 to 3 weeks. Complications of measles include:
- ear infections
- pneumonia
- bronchitis
- encephalitis (swelling and irritation of the brain)
What are the symptoms of chickenpox and measles?
Both measles and chickenpox cause rashes, but these rashes differ enough that understanding the two conditions should make them easier to distinguish.
The typical chickenpox in children rash starts as red spots on the chest, stomach, face, and back. It can spread to other parts of the body as well.
Within 2 to 4 days, a rash will turn into fluid-filled bumps called vesicles. These raised bumps cause itching and will rupture and leak fluid. It is not unusual for someone to have between 250 and 500 blisters. (Source) Ruptured vesicles will dry out. Once all the bumps have developed a crust, they no longer transmit the virus.
Other symptoms of chickenpox include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache. Blisters can also develop in the mouth.
On the other hand, a measles in children rash starts as a flat red and spotty rash at the hairline. It can spread, and the spots may begin to appear joined together. In some people, small fluid-filled spots may develop.
Other symptoms of measles include runny nose, cough, sore throat, and red, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis). People with measles can also develop Koplik spots, which are small red spots with white-blue centers inside the mouth and on the cheeks.
In people with darker skin, both rashes may not appear visibly red. Instead, they may appear darker than the skin surrounding the rashes. Chickenpox in children with darker skin may look like raised bumps or pimples.
Symptoms of chickenpox in adults are usually similar to symptoms of chickenpox in children. However, adults are at a higher risk for severe symptoms and complications.
How are chickenpox and measles treated?
Because chickenpox and measles are viral infections, antibiotics are not an effective treatment. Instead, treatment for these two conditions focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of complications.
People with chickenpox can take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl. This medication can help reduce itching. (Source)
A doctor may prescribe an antiviral for people at high risk of chickenpox complications. These medications only serve to reduce the severity of the infection.
Chickenpox carries a higher risk of complications in:
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- People with chronic conditions that weaken the immune system, such as leukemia
- Adults who have not had or have not been vaccinated for chickenpox.
Are vaccines against chickenpox and measles effective?
Chickenpox and measles infections are both easily preventable through vaccination. Vaccines for both viruses are part of routine childhood vaccination schedules. Each vaccine has two doses. Healthcare professionals typically administer the first dose between 12 and 15 months. The second dose, a booster, is usually administered between 4 and 6 years of age.
Today, 90% of children receive the first dose for both viruses by age 2. The chickenpox vaccine alone prevents approximately 3.5 million cases each year. It also means 9,000 fewer hospitalizations and 50 fewer deaths each year. (Source)
It is worth mentioning that in the case of an adult who was not vaccinated in childhood, they can choose to get vaccinated regardless of age. The vaccine will be useful for personal protection, but also to protect those around them, as it will prevent the transmission of the virus.
Avoiding a chickenpox infection can help you avoid another condition later in life: shingles. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, remains in the body after the infection has cleared. It enters a latent state in the nervous system and can reactivate later in the form of shingles, a painful skin rash.
Children who are vaccinated against chickenpox are much less likely to develop shingles when they grow up. A shingles vaccine is also available for people who have had chickenpox.
Likewise, the measles vaccine is very effective. After one dose, it is 93% effective in preventing infection, and after two doses, it is 97% effective. (Source)
Chickenpox vs. Measles in home treatment
You can help relieve the symptoms of both infections through several simple and accessible ways:
- Rest and plenty of fluids.
- An over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to soothe fever. Important: Never give aspirin to children.
- In case of cough or sore throat, use a humidifier to ease discomfort.
- Do not scratch chickenpox spots – no matter how much discomfort they cause! This can lead to scarring or infections. If the child has chickenpox, consider putting mittens on their hands or trimming their nails to discourage scratching.
- Use a cool bath or cool compresses to ease itching. Use a clean towel to gently pat dry afterward.
- Apply calamine lotion to any itchy spots, avoiding the eyes and face.
- If blisters form in the mouth, try eating cold and bland foods, while avoiding hot, spicy, or acidic foods.
Conclusion
Chickenpox and measles were once common childhood infections. Both start as red skin rashes, but the appearance and location of the rashes can tell you a lot about which infection you likely have.
Today, vaccinations have greatly reduced both chickenpox and measles cases. In fact, measles is a condition so rare that it was considered eliminated at one point. However, unvaccinated people continue to reintroduce the virus back into the population and spread it.
If you have had chickenpox in the past, it is unlikely you will develop it again. Some breakthrough infections may occur in people vaccinated against chickenpox, but symptoms tend to be milder, with few or no blisters.
Vaccines for both chickenpox and measles are very effective and safe. They can help prevent you or your child from getting sick and reduce the spread of these infections in the community.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/transmission.html
https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/data/global-measles-outbreaks.html
https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/symptoms.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/antihistamine-brands
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/immunize.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/varicella/hcp/about-vaccine.html
