Quick read
Key points
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Chickenpox is a common, highly contagious childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy rash that starts as small red spots, develops into fluid-filled blisters, and then crusts over, usually appearing in waves over several days, often alongside a mild fever.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Your child is under 4 weeks old and may have been exposed to chickenpox
01 · Know
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a common, highly contagious childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy rash that starts as small red spots, develops into fluid-filled blisters, and then crusts over, usually appearing in waves over several days, often alongside a mild fever.
Most children recover fully within one to two weeks with simple care at home. It spreads very easily through the air and through contact with the blisters, so children are usually kept away from school or childcare until all spots have crusted over.
Chickenpox is usually mild in children but can be more serious in adults, and especially so during pregnancy — for both the pregnant person and the baby. Most adults have already had chickenpox and are immune, but anyone who hasn't had it before and is exposed during pregnancy should contact their maternity team promptly. Infection in early pregnancy carries a small risk of affecting the baby's development, while infection close to delivery can risk the baby developing a serious infection shortly after birth — a simple blood test can check immunity if there's any doubt.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Avoid ibuprofen for chickenpox fever
Paracetamol is generally preferred over ibuprofen for fever associated with chickenpox, as ibuprofen has been linked to a higher risk of skin infections in some studies — check with a pharmacist or doctor if unsure.
03 · Act
When to Contact a Doctor (Non-Emergency)
- 1Your child is under 4 weeks old and may have been exposed to chickenpox
- 2Your child has a weakened immune system or is on medication that affects immunity
- 3You are pregnant and haven't had chickenpox before, and have been in contact with someone who has it — contact your maternity team promptly, even without symptoms
- 4You are pregnant and develop a chickenpox rash yourself, particularly close to your due date
- 5Symptoms aren't improving after a week, or you're simply concerned
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Keep Your Child Away from Newborns, Pregnant People, and Anyone with a Weakened Immune System
Chickenpox can be more serious for these groups, so avoiding contact until your child is no longer contagious is important.
- 1Ease itching gently.Cool baths, loose cotton clothing, and calamine lotion can help soothe itchy skin.
- 2Keep nails short and clean.This reduces skin damage and the risk of infection from scratching.
- 3Use paracetamol for fever or discomfort.Follow the package instructions for your child's age and weight.
- 4Offer plenty of fluids.Encourage regular sips, especially if a sore mouth from spots is making eating and drinking difficult.
- 5Keep your child home until spots have crusted over.This is usually about 5 days after the rash first appears, though it varies.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Chickenpox is common and usually mild in healthy children, resolving fully within one to two weeks.
Keep children with chickenpox away from newborns, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system until they're no longer contagious.