Quick answer
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a common childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy spotty rash that usually clears within 1 to 2 weeks. Most children recover at home with rest, fluids and soothing skin care, but some people — including adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems — need medical advice.
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly infectious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is most common in children under 10 and is usually mild, though the itchy rash can be uncomfortable. After infection, the virus stays in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles.
Symptoms
Chickenpox often starts with feeling generally unwell and a raised temperature for one or two days before the rash appears. The rash:
- starts as small red spots, often on the chest, face or behind the ears
- develops into fluid-filled blisters that burst and scab over
- can appear anywhere, including inside the mouth and on the scalp
- is usually very itchy
New spots can appear in batches over several days. Once all blisters have crusted over, the person is usually no longer infectious.
Treating chickenpox at home
Most children recover without medical treatment:
- Rest and fluids — especially if they have a temperature.
- Paracetamol — for discomfort and fever (avoid ibuprofen in chickenpox unless a doctor advises it).
- Soothe the skin — cool baths, calamine lotion, light cotton clothing.
- Prevent scratching — short nails, mittens for toddlers, distraction where possible.
Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
When it is more serious
Chickenpox is usually straightforward in healthy children, but complications can occur — including skin infection from scratching, dehydration, or (rarely) more serious problems. Adults, pregnant women, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk and should seek medical advice promptly.
Stopping the spread
Keep a child with chickenpox away from school or nursery until all spots have crusted over. Avoid contact with pregnant women who may not have had chickenpox, newborn babies, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Good hand hygiene helps, though the main route of spread is through the air and direct contact with the rash.
After chickenpox
Most people have lifelong immunity after one episode. The virus remains dormant in the body and can cause shingles later in life, particularly with older age or when the immune system is lowered.
Common questions
- How long does chickenpox last?
- The rash usually appears within 10 to 21 days of contact with the virus. New spots can keep appearing for several days, but most children feel better within a week or two once the spots start scabbing over.
- Is chickenpox contagious?
- Yes. It spreads easily through coughs, sneezes and direct contact with the rash. A person is infectious from about one to two days before the rash appears until all blisters have crusted over — usually five to seven days after the rash starts.
- How can I soothe the itch?
- Cool baths, light clothing, and calamine lotion or cooling gels can help. Paracetamol eases fever and discomfort — avoid ibuprofen unless a doctor has advised it for chickenpox. Keep nails short and discourage scratching to reduce scarring and skin infection.
- Can adults get chickenpox?
- Yes, though it is more common in children. Chickenpox in adults can be more severe, so adults with symptoms should contact a GP. Adults who have never had chickenpox and are exposed to the virus may need specific advice.
- Is there a chickenpox vaccine?
- A chickenpox vaccine is available in the UK but is not part of the routine childhood schedule for everyone. It may be offered in certain situations — ask a GP if you think vaccination would be appropriate for your child or yourself.