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Chickenpox in Children

Chickenpox is a contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash that progresses from red spots to fluid-filled blisters and then crusts.

The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox. The same virus can remain inactive in the body after the illness and later reactivate as shingles.

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AAP Guide to Chickenpox in Children

The AAP guide below explains what to expect, how to care for the rash, and when your child needs medical care.

AAP Symptom CheckerChickenpox

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child has a weakened immune system or another condition that raises the risk of complications.
  • The skin around a blister becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful.
  • Fever returns or worsens after your child had started improving.
  • Your child has severe headache, significant breathing symptoms or appears very ill.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has severe trouble breathing.
  • Your child is very difficult to wake, confused or has a seizure.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on skin and rashes

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms