Using aspirin in children with chickenpox can result in Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition affecting the liver and brain, sometimes leading to fatality.

If your child has chickenpox, it’s best to avoid aspirin and use acetaminophen to lower fever. Ibuprofen should also be avoided as it can be associated with severe bacterial skin infections.

When to Consider Antiviral Medication

Antiviral medication is recommended for individuals at risk of experiencing severe complications from chickenpox, such as those over 12 years old, pregnant women, or people with weakened immune systems.

Approved antiviral medications are available for treating chickenpox, with the most effective results seen when administered within 24 hours of the rash appearing.

It is important to keep the affected areas clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections. Trim your child’s fingernails to reduce scratching and the risk of scarring. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and stays hydrated.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you have never had chickenpox, are pregnant, or have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or treatment, it is important to contact your doctor.

When to Contact a Doctor

Contact a doctor if you or a loved one are at risk of serious complications from chickenpox, especially if symptoms like prolonged fever, extensive rash, confusion, or breathing difficulties are present.

Home Remedies for Chickenpox

The main symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, spotty rash that can develop anywhere on the body.

Characteristics of Chickenpox Spots

Chickenpox spots can vary in pain, distribution, and color depending on the individual’s skin tone.

Detailed descriptions and images of stage 1, 2, and 3 chickenpox spots on fair skin are provided.

If You Suspect Chickenpox

Managing Chickenpox at Home

It is advisable to stay at home until all chickenpox spots have scabbed over, which typically takes about 5 days. Self-care measures include staying hydrated, managing pain, and using topical treatments.

Additional tips for handling chickenpox symptoms at home are offered. Avoid scratching the spots to prevent scarring.

Avoiding Contact with Vulnerable Individuals

Avoid contact with newborns, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems due to the risks associated with chickenpox.

When to Seek Medical Help

• If unsure if it’s chickenpox
• If concerned about yourself or your child

Prior to visiting a GP, inform the receptionist about your suspicion of chickenpox.

If you or your child have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medication, it is especially important to seek medical help promptly if you suspect chickenpox.

Seek medical attention if the rash is accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, persistent fever above 102°F, or if the rash is spreading rapidly.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

• If symptoms worsen suddenly
• If you notice signs of dehydration in a child with chickenpox
• If the area around the blisters becomes hot, painful, and red
• If you are a breastfeeding mother experiencing chickenpox symptoms
• If you are pregnant and have never had chickenpox before
• If you have a weakened immune system
• If you suspect your newborn has chickenpox

Seek medical help within 24 hours of symptom onset to prevent complications. Contact 111 for guidance or assistance, especially for children under 5.

Understanding Chickenpox Transmission

Chickenpox can spread from 2 days before the rash appears until scabs form, usually within 5 days of rash onset. The rash typically emerges 1 to 3 weeks after exposure. Infection can occur through close contact or touching contaminated surfaces.

Preventing Chickenpox

The chickenpox vaccine is available through the NHS to prevent transmission to susceptible individuals. Private or travel clinics also offer the vaccine for a fee ranging from £120 to £200.

Primary Symptoms of Chickenpox

The main symptom is an itchy rash with red blisters, typically resolving within a week.

Other common symptoms of chickenpox include fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Evolution of the Chickenpox Rash

The rash progresses from bumps to fluid-filled blisters, eventually forming scabs.

It is important to avoid scratching the blisters to prevent scarring and infection.

Highly Contagious Nature of Chickenpox

Duration of Infectivity

Infectivity lasts from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears to 5-6 days after rash onset.

Chickenpox is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. It is most contagious in the days leading up to the appearance of the rash, and remains contagious until all the blisters have crusted over.

Immunity and Reinfection

While reinfection with chickenpox is possible, it is rare, and immunity is generally lifelong. Once a person has had chickenpox, they typically develop immunity to the virus and are unlikely to get it again. However, in rare cases, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, reinfection can occur.

Other Treatment Approaches

• Keep the affected individual in a cool environment to minimize discomfort
• Use calamine lotion or oatmeal baths to reduce itching
• Consult a healthcare provider for antiviral medication in severe cases

Preventive Measures

Ensure all family members are vaccinated against chickenpox to reduce the spread of the virus. Keep infected individuals isolated until all blisters have crusted over to prevent transmission.

Side Effects

Common side effects of the chickenpox vaccine may include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as mild fever or rash. These side effects are typically mild and go away on their own within a few days.

Effectiveness

The chickenpox vaccine is highly effective in preventing chickenpox and reducing the severity of the disease if infection does occur. It is important to receive the recommended doses as outlined by your healthcare provider to ensure maximum protection.

Duration of Protection

Studies have shown that the chickenpox vaccine provides long-lasting protection, with immunity lasting for at least 10-20 years after receiving the vaccine. In some cases, immunity may last a lifetime.

Cost

Many healthcare providers and public health clinics offer the chickenpox vaccine at no cost to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria. It is important to check with your healthcare provider or local health department for more information on vaccine availability and cost.

Identifying and Managing Chickenpox

Recognize chickenpox through characteristic rashes, fever, and malaise. Seek medical advice if unsure.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

If you are uncertain or concerned, consult a GP and disclose any suspicions of chickenpox. Contact NHS 111 for urgent cases.

Managing Chickenpox Symptoms in Children

To manage symptoms in children, follow appropriate guidelines and ensure their comfort. Give your child paracetamol for pain and fever, keep them hydrated, trim their nails, and avoid scratching. Consult your pharmacist for suitable creams or medication.

Additionally, it is important to dress your child in loose, cotton clothing to help reduce itching and discomfort. Keep your child cool and avoid hot baths or showers which can worsen the rash. Use mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water to bathe your child.

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest to aid in the healing process. Encourage quiet activities to prevent spreading the virus to others. Keep your child home from school or daycare until all the blisters have crusted over to prevent infecting others.

If your child develops a high fever, difficulty breathing, or severe pain, seek medical attention immediately. While chickenpox is usually a mild illness in children, complications can occur in certain cases.

Friendly Reminders

Other Conditions in Babies & Children

Measles in Babies & Children

Mumps in Children

Scarlet Fever in Children

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Always read the label.

Avoid using multiple products containing paracetamol at the same time.

Various products like CALPOL ® Infant Original Suspension and CALPROFEN ® Ibuprofen Suspension can be used for pain and fever in infants. CALCOUGH ® Children’s Syrup and CALGEL ® Teething Gel are suitable for cough relief. Always read the label.

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Last updated: March 2025

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