Chickenpox is a common infection that spreads easily, mostly affecting children
It usually gets better on its own within 1 to 2 weeks
The main symptom is an itchy, spotty rash, which can appear anywhere on the body
The rash develops through three stages: spots, blisters, then scabs
New spots can keep appearing while others are already blistering or scabbing
About Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a common, easily spread infection that mostly affects children, and usually clears up on its own within 1 to 2 weeks without needing to see a GP, though it can be more serious for some people. The main symptom is an itchy, spotty rash that can appear anywhere on the body, sometimes alongside a high temperature, aches and pains, feeling generally unwell, or a reduced appetite before or after the rash appears.
How the Rash Develops
Chickenpox develops in three overlapping stages, with new spots often appearing while older ones are already blistering or scabbing. In stage one, small spots appear anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth or around the genitals (which can be painful), appearing red, pink, darker, or the same colour as the surrounding skin depending on skin tone — spots can be harder to spot on brown or black skin. In stage two, the spots fill with fluid and become itchy blisters, which may burst. In stage three, the spots form a scab, which may be flaky or leak a little fluid. If you're ever unsure whether a rash is chickenpox, it's worth checking other possible causes of rashes in children, or getting it assessed by a GP.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Chickenpox · Self-Care
Treating Chickenpox at Home
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
What Can Help
If you or your child has chickenpox, it's important to stay off school, nursery or work until all the spots have scabbed over — usually around 5 days after the rash first appears. In the meantime, drinking plenty of fluids (ice lollies can help if a child isn't keen on drinking), taking paracetamol for pain and discomfort, keeping fingernails short and using socks over hands at night to prevent scratching, and using cooling creams or gels from a pharmacy can all help ease symptoms. A pharmacist can also advise on antihistamine medicine for itching, and cool baths followed by gently patting (not rubbing) the skin dry, along with loose clothing, can bring relief too.
Avoid ibuprofen unless a doctor specifically advises it, since it can occasionally lead to serious skin infections in chickenpox, and don't give aspirin to children under 16. Try to avoid scratching the spots, since this can lead to scarring. It's also important to stay away from newborn babies, pregnant women, or anyone with a weakened immune system while infectious, since chickenpox can be dangerous for them.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Chickenpox · Getting Help
When to Get Medical Help
? 5 min readReviewed: March 2024
Seeing a GP
Chickenpox usually isn't serious, but it can occasionally need medical attention. See a GP if you're not sure it's chickenpox, or if you're breastfeeding and have symptoms — call ahead and let the receptionist know you think it might be chickenpox before attending in person.
?? Get help from NHS 111 now if:
Symptoms get worse, such as skin around the blisters becoming red, hot or painful (redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin); your child shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies; you've been near someone with chickenpox and have a weakened immune system or are pregnant; you think a newborn baby has chickenpox or has been near someone with it; you have chickenpox and are more short of breath than usual; or you or your child have any other symptoms you're worried about. Some people can take medicine to help prevent complications, though this needs starting within 24 hours of the rash appearing. Call 111 for advice with a child under 5.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Chickenpox · Spread & Vaccine
How Chickenpox Spreads, and the Vaccine
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
How It Spreads
Chickenpox can be passed on from about 2 days before the rash appears until all the spots have scabbed over, usually around 5 days after the rash first shows. Spots typically appear 1 to 3 weeks after catching the virus. It spreads through being in the same room as someone infected, touching surfaces contaminated with fluid from the blisters, or catching it from someone with shingles if you haven't had chickenpox before — though it's not possible to catch shingles from someone with chickenpox.
The Chickenpox Vaccine
Children are now offered the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox together, given as two doses at 12 and 18 months old. Older children born on or after 1 January 2020 are also offered one or two doses. The chickenpox vaccine may also be offered on the NHS to anyone at risk of passing the virus to someone with a weakened immune system — for example, if you live with someone having chemotherapy.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
