After someone has chickenpox, the virus that causes it (varicella-zoster) stays in their body. Years later, the virus can become active again and cause a painful skin rash called shingles. In most kids, shingles is treated with pain control and rest. Some kids may need antiviral medicines. Until the rash’s blisters scab over (usually in about 7–10 days), someone can spread chickenpox (but not shingles) to people who have not had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine. Follow these instructions to care for your child and help prevent the virus from spreading to others.

• Give your child any prescription medicines as instructed.
• Wash your hands before and after caring for your child’s rash. If you haven’t had chickenpox or the vaccine, try to have someone else care for your child until the rash scabs over.
• Every day until the rash scabs over:
  • Wash the rash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
  • Put a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the rash.
  • Cover the rash with a nonstick bandage. This keeps the rash clean and helps prevent the spread to others.
• Since your child can spread chickenpox, they should stay away from anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox or the vaccine (especially newborns and anyone who is pregnant or has a weak immune system).
• Your child can return to school and activities if:
  • They can cover the blisters completely with a bandage and are fever-free for 24 hours.
    or
  • The blisters are completely scabbed over.
• If your child’s rash is painful or they’re uncomfortable from a fever, ask your healthcare provider if it’s OK to give medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
• Don't give aspirin to your child or teen as it could lead to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• To help with discomfort:
  • Put cool, wet compresses on the rash for 15–30 minutes several times a day.
  • Let your child take an oatmeal bath.
• Let your child rest as much as needed.
• Give your child plenty of liquids.

Your child has:

• severe or worsening pain
• skin near the rash that looks swollen or red, or is draining pus
• pain that continues after the rash clears

Your child has changes in their vision or hearing, weakness on one side of the face, or seems very sick or confused.

What are the symptoms of shingles? Besides the painful rash, kids with shingles may also have a headache, fever, achiness, and feel tired.

Can shingles be prevented? It's not always possible to prevent shingles. But the chickenpox vaccine makes it less likely that someone will get shingles. If you or a family member (over 1 year old) has never had chickenpox or the vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. A shingles vaccine is available for people over 50 years old.

What problems can happen? Most kids recover fully from shingles and do not develop any other problems. Very rarely, shingles can lead to a skin infection, vision problems, ongoing pain, or nerve and brain problems.