Differences Between Chickenpox and Smallpox

S.N.CharacteristicsChickenpoxSmallpox
1Causative AgentVaricella Zoster Virus (Herpes Virus)Variola virus (Pox Virus)
2Incubation period14-21 days7-17 days
3SeverityChickenpox is less deadly comparing to small pox.Smallpox is deadly severe comparing to chicken pox.
4LesionsLesions first appear on the face or trunk.Lesions first appear in the throat or mouth, then on the face, or on the upper arms.
5Rash LesionsLesions 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.
6Initial Symptoms0 to 2 days of mild illness pass before the rash develops.2 to 3 days of severe illness pass before the rash develops.
7Rash LesionsLesions change rapidly, crusting over within 24 hours.Lesions change slowly, scabbing over after 9 to 15 days.
8Rash LesionsLesions sit on the skin surface and look like small blisters.Lesions become firm, dome-shaped, and deep in the skin.
9Rash LesionsRash rarely develops on palms and soles.Rash commonly develops on palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
10Rash LesionsLesions 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.
11Rash LesionsNo illness precedes the chickenpox rash.Malaise, fever, rigors, vomiting, headache and backache precede the rash by two to three days.
12ScabsScabs that are not infectious begin to form four to seven days after the rash appears.Scabs that can be infectious begin to form 10 to 14 days after the rash appears.
13ScabsScabs fall off within 14 days after the rash begins.Scabs fall off 14 to 28 days after the rash begins.
14PocksPocks are more superficial.Pocks are buried deep in the dermis.
15VesiclesVesicles collapse on puncture.Vesicles do not collapse on puncture.
16Evolution of PocksAsynchronousSynchronous
17PrevalenceChickenpox is still prevailing.Smallpox has been eradicated from the earth.
18FeverFever occurs with each crop of vesiclesFever subsides with development of rash,

 

may appear again with formation of pustules

(secondary rise of temperature)

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2 thoughts on “Differences Between Chickenpox and Smallpox”

  1. n distinguishing small pox and chicken pox lacks in the aspect of which system is affected by each of them and the severity plus damage caused and types of foods and beverages required in each.

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