Chickenpox in children: what it means

A child may feel tired, irritable or feverish before the rash begins. Spots can appear on the scalp, face, trunk and limbs, changing into blisters and then scabs. Fresh spots may arrive while older ones are healing. Itching is common, and scratching can break the skin and allow infection. Chickenpox spreads through close contact and remains contagious until all blisters have crusted. A child with a weakened immune system or a newborn sibling needs prompt clinical advice.

Offer frequent fluids and keep the child cool in loose clothing. Keep fingernails short, discourage scratching and ask a pharmacist or clinician about an age-appropriate itch treatment. Use fever medicine only as directed for the child’s age and weight; never give aspirin to a child with chickenpox. Do not send the child to school or nursery while new blisters are appearing or until all have crusted. Wash hands and avoid sharing towels, cups or bedding.

Get urgent help if the child has breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness, confusion, a severe headache, neck stiffness, repeated vomiting, dehydration or a seizure. Contact a clinician promptly if fever is persistent, the rash becomes very painful or the skin is increasingly red, warm, swollen or oozy. Seek advice early for babies, children with reduced immunity or children taking medicines that suppress immune function. Call before attending a clinic.

Ask how to confirm the rash, which fever and itch medicines suit your child, how to protect siblings and when school attendance is safe. If the child has another health condition, ask whether it changes monitoring or treatment.