What are the first signs of chickenpox?

The rash often begins as small red or pink spots, commonly on the chest, back, or face, then spreads to other areas. Spots can become raised, turn into itchy fluid-filled blisters, and later dry into scabs. New spots may appear while earlier ones are crusting, so the rash can show several stages at once. Chickenpox is caused by varicella and can spread to others before every blister has crusted.

Avoid scratching, keep fingernails short, and use gentle skin care to reduce irritation. Stay away from people who could become seriously ill until a clinician advises that you are no longer contagious. A GP consultation can help confirm the diagnosis, especially if the rash is unusual. Treatments such as an antihistamine may help itching; antiviral treatment may be considered for selected people when started early.

Contact a clinician promptly if the person with the rash is pregnant, very young, immunocompromised, or has severe symptoms. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion, marked drowsiness, severe headache, repeated vomiting, a rapidly worsening rash, or blisters that become very red, swollen, and painful. Do not give aspirin to a child with suspected chickenpox.

Ask whether the rash fits chickenpox, how to control itching safely, when normal activities can resume, and whether vaccination is appropriate for household contacts.