What Is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Before the vaccine, nearly every child got chickenpox. Today, vaccination has made chickenpox much less common, but parents should still know how to recognize and manage it.
Symptoms
- Itchy rash that starts as red spots, becomes fluid-filled blisters, then crusts over
- Rash appears in waves — you'll see spots at different stages at the same time
- Typically starts on the face, chest, and back, then spreads
- Fever (usually mild, 101-102°F)
- Tiredness and decreased appetite
- Headache
What Parents Can Do at Home
- Relieve itching with calamine lotion, cool baths with colloidal oatmeal, and oral antihistamines
- Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching and secondary infection
- Dress in loose, soft clothing
- Give acetaminophen for fever (NEVER aspirin — risk of Reye's syndrome)
- Keep your child hydrated
- Avoid ibuprofen during chickenpox (may increase risk of skin infection)
When to Call the Pediatrician
- Rash spreads to the eyes
- Rash becomes very red, warm, swollen, or tender (signs of bacterial infection)
- High fever (over 102°F) lasting more than 4 days
- Your child seems very sick or has difficulty waking up
- Stiff neck, persistent vomiting, or difficulty breathing
- Your child is under 1 year old, has a chronic condition, or has a weakened immune system
The Importance of Vaccination
The varicella vaccine is given in two doses: the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Two doses provide about 98% protection against chickenpox and nearly 100% protection against severe disease.
Key Takeaways
- Chickenpox is preventable with vaccination
- The rash goes through stages: red spots → blisters → crusts
- Never give aspirin or ibuprofen to a child with chickenpox
- Keep the child home until all blisters have crusted over
- Vaccination is the safest way to protect your child
