Chickenpox

Summary

Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most cases are in children under age 15, but older children and adults can get it. It spreads very easily from one person to another.

The classic symptom of chickenpox is an uncomfortable, itchy rash. The rash turns into fluid-filled blisters and eventually into scabs. It usually shows up on the face, chest, and back and then spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

Chickenpox is usually mild and lasts 5 to 10 days. Calamine lotions and oatmeal baths can help with itching. Acetaminophen can treat the fever. Do not use aspirin for chickenpox; that combination can cause Reye syndrome.

Chickenpox can sometimes cause serious problems. Adults, babies, teenagers, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems tend to get sicker from it. They may need to take antiviral medicines.

Once you catch chickenpox, the virus usually stays in your body. You probably will not get chickenpox again, but the virus can cause shingles in adults. A chickenpox vaccine can help prevent most cases of chickenpox, or make it less severe if you do get it.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Start Here

• About Chickenpox Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Chickenpox Nemours Foundation
• Chickenpox (Varicella) VisualDX
• Chickenpox Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• First Aid: Chickenpox Nemours Foundation

Diagnosis and Tests

• Antibody Serology Tests National Library of Medicine
• Chickenpox and Shingles Tests National Library of Medicine

Find an Expert

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Patient Handouts

• Chickenpox Medical Encyclopedia
• MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) Vaccine: What You Need to Know Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: What You Need to Know Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Children

• Chickenpox Nemours Foundation
• What Makes Chickenpox Itch? Nemours Foundation

Specifics

• Chickenpox (Varicella) Complications Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Images

• Chickenpox (Varicella) Photos Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms

• Chickenpox (Varicella) Signs and Symptoms Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Chickenpox (Varicella): Transmission Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Chickenpox Vaccine American Academy of Family Physicians
• Vaccine (Shot) for Chickenpox Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Treatments and Therapies

• Chickenpox Prevention and Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Chickenpox National Institutes of Health

Related Issues

• Postherpetic Neuralgia Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Reye Syndrome Nemours Foundation
• Travelers’ Health: Varicella / Chickenpox Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Journal Articles

• Chickenpox

Adults

• Why Vaccinate Adults Against Chickenpox National Foundation for Infectious Diseases