Understanding Chickenpox: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

7. Skin Rash

The most obvious sign of chickenpox is the rash. Within 10 to 21 days of exposure, a rash appears. Tiny clusters of red spots surface on the skin, usually appearing first on the chest and back. Soon after, the rash spreads to other parts of the body, including the legs, neck, face, groin, arms, and scalp. An infected person may have up to 500 spots within a few days. The virus is contagious up to 48 hours before the rash appears.