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Overview
Blisters crust over in about a week.
It's contagious until all blisters crust.
When to get medical care
Call 911Trouble breathing, stiff neck, or confusion.
Get care todayInfected blisters, high fever, or pregnancy.
See a doctor soonAny chickenpox in adults.
Causes
Caused by the varicella virus.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause itchy blisters spreading over the body. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- ChickenpoxSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A contagious viral illness that causes an itchy rash of spots that turn into blisters and then scab, often with fever.
What you can do at home
- Use calamine lotion.
- Take oatmeal baths.
- Keep nails short.
Medicines
Antivirals for some people. Don't give aspirin to children.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Vaccines
- Exposure
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- Usually none
Prevention
Get vaccinated.
- Chickenpox vaccine
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.