Chickenpox, or varicella, commonly causes fever followed by an itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. It spreads easily from person to person.
The illness can be more serious in adults, pregnant people, newborns, and people with weakened immunity or certain chronic conditions. These groups should seek medical advice promptly after exposure or when symptoms begin.
Early treatment decisions
Antiviral treatment is not required for every case, but it may be recommended for people at increased risk. When indicated, it works best when started early—preferably within the first 24 hours after the rash begins. A clinician should decide whether it is appropriate.
Care at home
- Stay away from people who have not had chickenpox or vaccination, particularly high-risk individuals.
- Continue isolation until all lesions have crusted.
- Keep the skin clean; bathing is not prohibited.
- Avoid scratching and keep nails short to reduce secondary infection.
- Maintain fluids and tolerable nutrition.
Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, confusion, severe weakness, dehydration, persistent high fever, pus or increasing redness around lesions, or any rapidly worsening symptom.
Further reading: CDC guidance on chickenpox treatment and higher-risk groups.
This article is for health education and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Symptoms, test results, medicines, and treatment decisions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.