Overview

Chickenpox is a common disease caused by the varicella virus. It causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters (pox) on the skin all over the body. Your child also can have blisters on the scalp and in the eye.

Chickenpox is most contagious from 2 to 3 days before the rash forms until no new blisters form and all the blisters have crusted over. That may be 7 days or more after the blisters first appear. It may take up to 2 weeks for the scabs to go away. Most children feel better within a week. You can care for your child at home.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Help your child get plenty of rest.
• Try to keep your child from scratching the chickenpox rash.
• Give your child warm or cool baths with oatmeal bath products, such as Aveeno. This will reduce itching. You can also add a handful of oatmeal (ground to a powder) to your child's bath. After a bath, pat—rather than rub—your child's skin dry.
• Wet a soft cloth with cool water or with cool water mixed with baking soda. Put the cool compress directly on the skin to cool your child's skin and relieve itching.
• Use soothing lotions that can help dry chickenpox blisters, such as those that contain:
  • Phenol, menthol, and camphor, such as calamine lotion.
  • Oatmeal, such as Aveeno Lotion.
• Try to keep your child from getting hot and sweaty. Getting hot will make the itching worse.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Ask the doctor about giving your child an over-the-counter antihistamine to help calm the itching.
  • Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 18. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Do not use lotions or creams that contain antihistamines.