Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a common illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which spreads through direct contact or by airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. You can help prevent this infection by getting your child the Varivax vaccine. It’s typically given when your child is at least 12 months old.

The condition usually leads to a rash and fever. Before the rash appears, your child might feel unwell for a day. When the rash does show up, it begins with red bumps that look similar to insect bites. These bumps then turn into itchy, fluid-filled blisters, which then cloud over and form scabs. The rash can appear on the skin, scalp, or inside the mouth and other areas.

You might also notice a fever, general illness, decreased appetite, muscle aches, or a cough. While chickenpox is usually mild in children, it can be more severe for infants or those with weakened immune systems.

The illness typically begins 10 to 21 days after your child has been exposed. The virus is contagious from around 2 days before the rash shows up, until all the blisters have fully scabbed over, usually within 4-5 days. You might also notice new blisters cropping up during this time. Let all the blisters scab over before allowing your child to leave home or play with other children.

To soothe itching, you can give your child lukewarm baths with Aveeno or baking soda or apply calamine lotion. Antihistamines like Benadryl may also help. Use acetaminophen (like Tylenol) for fever, and increase your child’s fluid intake to ensure they stay hydrated. Avoid giving them aspirin. Keep your child’s nails short to prevent them from scratching the blisters and causing infections.

If your child experiences persistent vomiting, severe drowsiness, trouble waking up, a severe cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, intense stomach pain, or if the area around the blisters looks red and swollen, please reach out to us.