Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes fever
and an itchy rash
with spots all over the body.
It used to be a common childhood illness in the United States, especially in kids
under age 12. It's much rarer now, thanks to the varicella
vaccine.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Chickenpox?
Chickenpox often starts without the classic rash, with a fever, headache,
sore throat,
or stomachache. These symptoms may last for a few days, with the fever in the
101°–102°F (38.3°–38.8°C) range.
The red, itchy skin rash usually starts on the belly or back and face. Then it
spreads to almost everywhere else on the body, including the scalp, mouth, arms, legs,
and genitals.
The rash begins as many small red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites.
They appear in waves over 2 to 4 days, then develop into thin-walled blisters filled
with fluid. The blister walls break, leaving open sores, which finally crust over
to become dry, brown scabs.
All three stages of the chickenpox rash (red bumps, blisters, and scabs) appear
on the body at the same time. The rash may spread wider or be more severe in kids
who have weak immune systems or skin disorders like eczema.
What Causes Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus also can cause
a painful skin rash called shingles
(herpes zoster) later in life. After someone has had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant
(resting) in the nervous system for the rest of their life. The virus can reactivate
("wake up") later as shingles.
Kids who are vaccinated against chickenpox are much less likely to develop shingles
when they get older.
Is Chickenpox Contagious?
Chickenpox is very contagious. Most kids with a sibling who's infected also will
get it (if they haven't already had the infection or the vaccine), showing symptoms
about 2 weeks after the first child does.
Someone with chickenpox can spread the virus:
through droplets in the air by coughing or sneezing
in their mucus, saliva (spit), or fluid from the blisters
Chickenpox is contagious from about 2 days before the rash starts until all the
blisters are crusted over.
Someone with shingles can spread chickenpox (but not shingles) to people who haven't
had chickenpox or the vaccine.
Because chickenpox is so contagious, a child who has it should stay home and rest
until the rash is gone and all blisters have dried. This usually takes about 1 week.
If you're unsure about whether your child is ready to return to school, ask your doctor.
What Problems Can Happen?
Some people are more at risk for complications from chickenpox, including:
pregnant women
newborns born to mothers who had chickenpox
patients with leukemia
kids receiving medicines that suppress the immune system
If they are exposed to chickenpox, they might be given a medicine (zoster immune
globulin) to make the illness less severe.
Can Chickenpox Be Prevented?
Yes. Most people who get the chickenpox vaccine will not get chickenpox. Doctors
recommend that kids get the chickenpox vaccine as:
a first shot when they're 12–15 months old
a booster shot when they're 4–6 years old
People 13 years of age and older who have never had chickenpox and aren't vaccinated
should get two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart.
Kids who have had chickenpox do not need the vaccine — they usually have lifelong
protection against the illness.
How Is Chickenpox Diagnosed?
Doctors usually can diagnose chickenpox by looking at the telltale rash.
Call your doctor if you think your child has chickenpox. The doctor can guide you
in watching for complications and in choosing medicine to ease itching.
If you take your child to the doctor, let the staff know ahead of time that your
child might have chickenpox. It's important not to expose other kids in the office
— for some of them, a chickenpox infection could cause serious complications.
How Is Chickenpox Treated?
A
causes chickenpox, so antibiotics can't treat it. But antibiotics are
needed if
infect the sores. This can happen when kids scratch and pick at the blisters.
An antiviral medicine might be prescribed for people with chickenpox who are at
risk for complications. The depends on the:
child's age and health
extent of the infection
timing of the treatment
Your doctor can tell you if the medicine is right for your child.
How Can I Help My Child Feel Better?
To help relieve the itchiness and discomfort of chickenpox:
Use cool wet compresses or give baths in lukewarm water every 3–4 hours for the
first few days. Oatmeal bath products, available at supermarkets and drugstores, can
help to relieve itching. (Baths do not spread the rash.)
Pat (don't rub) the body dry.
Put calamine lotion on itchy areas (but don't use it on the face, especially near
the eyes).
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about pain-relieving creams to apply to sores in
the genital area.
Ask the doctor about using over-the-counter medicine to take by mouth for itching.
To prevent scratching:
Put mittens or gloves on your child's hands to avoid scratching during sleep.
Trim fingernails and keep them clean.
If your child has blisters in the mouth:
Give cold, soft, bland foods because chickenpox in the mouth can make it hard
to drink or eat. Avoid anything acidic or salty, like orange juice or pretzels.
