What should you know about worst case of chickenpox?

Chickenpox causes an itchy rash that changes into fluid-filled blisters and then scabs. A more serious course may involve blisters becoming increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful, which can indicate a bacterial skin infection. Fever and poor fluid intake can also leave a person dehydrated.

Complications are more concerning in babies, adults, pregnant people and anyone with reduced immunity. Chickenpox is different from [Shingles](/conditions/shingles/), which is a later reactivation of the same virus and usually follows a localised band of pain and blisters.

Encourage fluids, keep nails short, use gentle skin care and avoid scratching blisters. Stay away from people who are pregnant, very young or immunocompromised until a clinician says the illness is no longer infectious. Do not give aspirin to a child with chickenpox.

Contact a clinician early if illness is severe or the person is at higher risk. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can assess the rash and decide whether [Antiviral Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antiviral-therapy/) is appropriate. An antihistamine treatment may be discussed for troublesome itching.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, severe headache, stiff neck, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, difficulty walking, inability to drink, or a rash that is bleeding or rapidly becoming painful and inflamed. A persistent or returning [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) with worsening blisters deserves prompt review.

Ask how to recognise an infected blister, which medicines are suitable for age and pregnancy, when isolation can end, and whether household contacts need [Chickenpox Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/chickenpox-vaccination/).