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Chickenpox - Varicella

Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella virus.   It can not be treated with antibiotics.  Treatment is usually for the symptoms. It is easily spread by either having direct contact with (ie touching) the person who has chickenpox or from fluid droplets in the air from them coughing.  Mild fever and a rash are the most common signs of chicken pox.  A person with chickenpox is infectious to others 1 to 2 days before the rash develops until the last blister has dried up. Children and adults of any age can get chickenpox but it is more common in children.  It is rare to get it more than once and other complications are rare. A chickenpox vaccine is recommended at 18 months as part of normal vaccinations.  It is very effective, has few side effects and is free in Victoria.

Signs and symptoms

  • A mild fever.
  • Feeling tired and irritable.
  • Itch.
  • Rash. The rash usually starts on the chest, back or face.  It then can move to other areas of the body including inside the mouth.  At first the rash looks like small pimples.  These later become blisters full of fluid.

RCH KHI chickenpox sm

How it is spread

Chickenpox is very easy to catch (highly contagious). It can be spread by either having direct contact with the person who has chickenpox, from coughed fluids from their chest or by touching the liquid from the blisters.  Children with chickenpox are infectious 1-2 days before the rash starts until the last blister has dried.

What to expect

  • The rash usually starts between 10 to 21 days after first being exposed to someone with the infection.  This time between exposure to getting the rash is called the 'incubation period'.
  • Treatment is about controlling the itching from the rash and the other symptoms related to the viral illness .  There are many medications and creams that you can get from your local pharmacy to help with the itching like solugel or solosite.
  • Most children with chickenpox are unwell for about 5 to 7 days.  Only a few need to be admitted to hospital.
  • Because chickenpox is a virus it can not be treated with antibiotics.
  • Children with a severe infection or with underlying serious medical conditions may be given anti-viral medication.
  • If your child gets large, sore, red areas around the rash, or  becomes unwell, see your family doctor.

At home care

It can be difficult to make sure children drink enough when they are unwell.  Give sips of drinks and icy pops, soup and other fluids often.  This helps prevent dehydration and helps control the fever. Children with chickenpox can feel tired and irritable.  Taking paracetamol can help. Do not put too many clothes on your child or overheat them as this can make the the itching worse.

Children with chicken pox should not go to school or kinder until the last blister has dried.  A dry blister scab is not infectious.  Tell the school if your child gets chickenpox.  There may be other children who need to be immunised or treated.

Someone with chicken pox is infectious to others 1 to 2 days before the rash starts until the last blister has dried up. Some members of the family may need to stay away from the child during this infectious stage.  This includes people who are on chemotherapy or long term oral steroids, newborn babies and pregnant women who have not had chickenpox before.  Most people cannot get chicken pox again if they have already had it.

Children with chicken pox can usually be cared for at home and do not need to see a doctor.  If you are concerned, see your family doctor or Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

Special considerations

  • Anyone who is taking long term oral steroids and anyone who is immune compromised (on chemotherapy or after an organ transplant), pregnant women or newborns should see their doctor if they think they have been exposed to chickenpox, as they may need treatment to prevent chickenpox.  
  • People with skin problems like eczema may also need to speak to a health professional for advice on which creams they can use for the rash.  Also as their chickenpox may be more severe than usual.
  • Children with chickenpox should not be given aspirin.

Key points to remember

  • Chickenpox is very easy to catch.
  • Antibiotics will not cure chickenpox. 
  • Treatment is usually for the symptoms, such as rash, not the infection.
  • The rash usually starts between 10 to 21 days after first exposure to chickenpox. 
  • Do not give asprin to someone with chickenpox.
  • Chickenpox is infectious 1-2 days before the rash starts until the last blister has dried.

For more information

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Developed by the RCH Dept of Infection Control Department and the Emergency Department. First published 2006.  Update Feb 2008.

 

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