Overview
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It spreads through the air and by touching blisters.
After you recover, the virus stays asleep in your nerves. Years later it can wake up as shingles.
Symptoms
Symptoms start 10 to 21 days after exposure.
- Itchy red spots that turn into blisters and spread over the body
- Fever
- Itching
Less common
- Tiredness and headache
- Poor appetite
- Blisters in the mouth
When to get medical care
Causes
The varicella-zoster virus spreads through the air and from touching blisters. People with shingles can spread it to people who never had chickenpox.
Does it spread or run in families?
- Yes, it can spread from person to person.
- How it spreads: the air or touch.
- Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.
Who is more likely to get it
- Not vaccinated and never had chickenpox
- Babies, teens, and adults, for more severe illness
- Pregnancy or a weak immune system
Possible complications
Diagnosis
It's usually diagnosed by looking at the rash.
Questions you may be asked
- Vaccines you've had
- Contact with someone with chickenpox or shingles
The exam
They'll look at the blisters and check for infected spots.
Tests
Tests are rarely needed:
- Swab of a blister: Confirms the virus if unsure.
Treatment
Most children get better with home care.
Self-care
- Ease the itch with cool baths, oatmeal baths, or calamine lotion
- Trim fingernails to prevent scratching and infection
- Use acetaminophen for fever. Never give aspirin to children.
- Stay home until all blisters have crusted over
Medicines
Medicines help with comfort or severe cases.
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Antivirals | Teens, adults, and high-risk people | |
| Antihistamines | Itching | Some cause sleepiness. |
| Chickenpox vaccine | Prevention |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Antiviral medicine may be given to teens, adults, and people at risk of severe illness, best within 24 hours of the rash.
Prevention
The vaccine prevents most cases:
- 2 doses for children
- Teens and adults who never had chickenpox should get 2 doses
- Adults 50 and older can get the shingles vaccine
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Stay home until all the blisters have dried and crusted over, usually about 5 to 7 days.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Pregnancy: Chickenpox can harm the baby. Tell your care team right away if you're exposed.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Most children recover in about a week with no lasting problems.
Getting ready for your visit
Call ahead so others aren't exposed.
What to bring
- Vaccine records
Questions to ask
- Does my child need antiviral medicine?
- When can they go back to school?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.