Chickenpox: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Chickenpox is a common, usually mild illness that causes an itchy, spotty rash. It is contagious from 2 days before the spots appear until all the spots have crusted over, usually about 5 days after they appeared. Paracetamol can help with discomfort, but do not give ibuprofen unless a doctor advises it.
Overview
The rash starts as small spots that fill with fluid to become blisters, then crust over into scabs. Spots can appear anywhere on the body. Before or alongside the rash, children may have a high temperature, aches, loss of appetite and generally feel unwell.
Chickenpox is mostly mild in children, but it can be more serious in babies, adults, pregnant people and anyone with a weakened immune system.
What may help
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use paracetamol for pain and discomfort
- Use cooling creams or gels, or antihistamines, to ease the itch (ask a pharmacist)
- Keep nails short and put socks over children's hands at night to stop scratching
- Keep your child off school or nursery until all the spots have crusted over
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- An adult, a pregnant person or a baby under 4 weeks has chickenpox
- Someone with a weakened immune system has chickenpox or has been near someone who has it
- The skin around the blisters is red, hot or painful, which can be a sign of infection
- Your child is dehydrated or their symptoms suddenly get worse
When it could be an emergency
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- A severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or sensitivity to light
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it, alongside feeling very unwell
- Your child is very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Chickenpox" in the appCommon questions
How long is chickenpox contagious?
From 2 days before the spots appear until all the spots have crusted over, which is usually about 5 days after they first appeared.
Why should I not give ibuprofen for chickenpox?
Ibuprofen can make some people with chickenpox more likely to get serious skin infections. Use paracetamol instead, unless a doctor advises otherwise.
Can you get chickenpox twice?
It is uncommon, but possible. The virus stays in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles.
Is chickenpox dangerous in pregnancy?
It can cause complications. If you are pregnant and have not had chickenpox, get medical advice straight away if you are exposed to it.
Official sources
Related topics
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Triggers, skincare routine, and when to seek help.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.