Chickenpox: What to Expect, Treat, and Prevent

Chickenpox hits people differently. Some get a few spots and feel fine, others run a fever and can’t stop scratching. Recognizing it early makes home care easier and helps prevent spread.

The first signs are fever, headache, or a runny nose, followed within a day or two by the classic itchy red rash. The rash turns into fluid-filled blisters that crust over in about a week. New blisters can keep appearing for several days, so you might see all stages at once.

How contagious is it? Very. Chickenpox spreads through coughs, sneezes, or direct contact with the blisters. People are contagious from about two days before the rash shows until every blister has crusted. Keep infected people away from infants, pregnant women, and anyone with a weak immune system.

Home care tips: lower fever with acetaminophen (avoid aspirin in kids), cool baths with baking soda or oatmeal, and use calamine lotion to reduce itch. Trim nails and keep hands clean to avoid skin infection from scratching. Dress in lightweight, loose clothes to stay comfortable. Hydration and rest speed recovery.

When to call the doctor: if a baby under 3 months gets chickenpox, if fever stays high, if breathing becomes difficult, if the rash looks infected (increasing redness, warmth, pus), or if the person has a weakened immune system. Adults can have more severe disease and should contact a healthcare provider early; antiviral medication like acyclovir works best if started within 24–48 hours of rash onset.

Vaccination is your best defense. The varicella vaccine cuts the risk of catching chickenpox and reduces severity if you do get it. Most countries recommend two doses for children and one or two for susceptible adults. If you were exposed and are not immune, ask your doctor about post-exposure vaccination or immunoglobulin options for high-risk people.

Pregnancy and chickenpox require quick action. If a pregnant person is exposed or develops chickenpox, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The timing in pregnancy affects risk to the fetus and may change treatment choices.

Preventing spread at home: isolate the sick person, wash hands often, avoid sharing towels or dishes, and clean surfaces. Schools and workplaces usually allow return when all blisters have crusted.

Can you re-get chickenpox? Rarely. After infection your body usually builds long-lasting immunity. However, the virus can hide in nerves and may reactivate years later as shingles. The shingles vaccine can reduce that risk.

If you have questions about vaccines, medications, or signs of complications, talk to your doctor. Clear, early steps protect you and the people around you.

Quick treatment checklist

Keep a simple list: fever reducer, calamine lotion, cool baths, trimmed nails, water, and soft clothing. For high-risk patients, get medical advice about antivirals or passive immunization. Note timing: antivirals help most when started early. Keep records of symptoms and exposure dates for your doctor.

When to worry

Seek urgent care for breathing trouble, severe dehydration, confusion, or spreading skin infection. Newborns and pregnant people need immediate attention right away.