Chickenpox

What is Chickenpox?

It is a sickness, usually seen in children that is caused by the varicella virus. The older you are when you get chickenpox, usually the sicker you will be. People can catch chickenpox from you until all the blisters (bubbles) are broken and crusted over (usually by 6 days after the rash comes out).

If a person has already had chickenpox, they can not get them again.

Can I catch Shingles from someone who has Chickenpox?

No. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox but you get shingles only if you have had chickenpox before. If you have never had chickenpox before and you have contact with someone with shingles you could get chickenpox.

Home Treatment:

• You can give your child medication like Benadryl (antihistamine) as directed by the package or ask the pharmacist to help decide how much to give. Having a bath in lukewarm water with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno, Nutrasoothe) also helps.
• For fever you could give acetaminophen (Tylenol, store brand) as directed on the bottle. A.S.A. (aspirin) should NOT be given.
• Try to keep them from scratching the scabs, because it can lead to infection. Cut nails short. Put mitts on if necessary.

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• Your child throws up and they do not stop after a couple of hours.
• They have a fever with a really bad headache and stiff neck.
• They have sores in their eyes.
• The itching is really bad and does not get any better with baths or medication.
• They get bruises without falling or getting hit.
• The child age 3 months to 3 years has a fever 39.4 C (103 F) or higher for 24 hours.