What should you know about chickenpox 6 month old?

Chickenpox often begins with an unwell feeling or fever, followed by itchy spots that can become fluid-filled blisters and then crusts. New lesions may appear while earlier ones are changing. A six-month-old may not be able to show where the itch hurts, so watch feeding, wet nappies, alertness, and breathing as well as the rash.

Several childhood rashes can resemble chickenpox. Do not rely on photographs alone, and avoid exposing other babies, pregnant people, or anyone with a weakened immune system until a clinician advises on contagiousness.

Contact a GP or paediatric clinician promptly and describe the temperature, feeding, wet nappies, rash onset, and any exposure. Keep nails short, use loose clothing, and avoid scratching or breaking blisters. Offer usual feeds frequently unless a clinician gives different advice.

Use only medicines and doses recommended for this baby. A clinician may discuss an antihistamine for itch or antiviral treatment in selected situations; never give aspirin to a child. Check before using creams or medicines on broken skin.

Seek urgent medical help if the baby is difficult to wake, breathing poorly, feeding much less, has markedly fewer wet nappies, develops repeated vomiting, a severe headache, a rapidly worsening rash, or skin that is hot, painful, and spreading red. Immediate assessment is also needed for a seizure or a baby who appears seriously unwell.

Ask whether the rash is [Chickenpox](/conditions/chickenpox/), how to monitor hydration and [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), when the baby can mix with others, and whether [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) or treatment for itch is needed.