Kids with chickenpox have a few days of fever and tiredness and then get an itchy rash. It takes about a week for symptoms to go away and for the rash to scab over. When the rash has completely scabbed over, someone with chickenpox can no longer spread it to others.

Use these instructions to care for your child as they get better.

General Care

• If your child is uncomfortable from fever and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. If you don't know the recommended dose or if your child is younger than 2 years old, call your health care provider to find out what to use and how much to give.
• Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Give your child a lukewarm bath every day to help prevent the rash from getting infected.
• Keep your child's fingernails cut short so they can't scratch their skin. Scratching can spread chickenpox and lead to scars. If needed, you can put mittens on your baby or child when they are sleeping so they don't scratch.

To help ease itching, you can:

• Put cool wet compresses on the rash.
• Have your child take lukewarm baths with oatmeal or baking soda added.
• Apply calamine lotion (avoid the areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth).

If your child's itching is very bad, ask your health care provider about anti-itch medicines that can be given by mouth.

If your child has blisters in the mouth:

• Give cold, soft, bland foods. Avoid anything acidic or salty, like orange juice or pretzels.
• If the mouth blisters are painful and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give your child acetaminophen.

To prevent the spread of chickenpox:

• Keep your child at home until the rash is completely crusted over. Most kids miss about 5–6 days of school while recovering from chickenpox.

People with chickenpox are contagious from about 2 days before they get symptoms until the rash is completely scabbed over. Let anyone who was around your child during this time know that they were exposed to chickenpox. This is especially important for babies, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems (for example, from going through chemotherapy) because they may need treatment to prevent serious problems.

Your child:

• has severe itching
• has a fever that is getting higher or that lasts for more than 4 days
• gets a cough
• has an area of rash that leaks pus (thick, yellowish fluid) or that becomes red, warm, swollen, or sore
• has a headache
• is vomiting
• seems to be getting sicker

Your child:

• is very drowsy or you can't wake them up
• has trouble breathing
• is bothered by bright lights
• has trouble walking
• seems confused
• has a stiff neck

Be sure to call the ER before you take your child in so they can have a separate room ready to prevent the spread of chickenpox to others.

What causes chickenpox? Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). After someone has had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (resting) in their nervous system for the rest of their life. The virus can reactivate ("wake up") later as shingles.

The chickenpox vaccine is very effective at preventing the illness. If someone who has had the vaccine does get chickenpox, their symptoms are milder and they're less likely to spread the virus to others.

How does chickenpox spread? Chickenpox can easily spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, sending droplets into the air. They also can pass it to others through their mucus, saliva (spit), or fluid from the blisters. Symptoms usually start about 2 weeks after exposure to the virus.

What problems can happen? Chickenpox in young children usually is a mild illness, especially in kids who got the chickenpox vaccine. Occasionally, more serious problems can happen, such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, and very rarely, problems with the brain.