Quick read
Key points
- 1
Chicken pox is a highly infectious viral illness, most common in children, that causes an intensely itchy rash of blisters. Your child may generally feel unwell, with a headache and mild fever, just before the rash develops and for the first few days afterward.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
Pus-filled spots or blisters near the eyes — these need prompt treatment.
01 · Know
What is Chicken pox?
Chicken pox is a highly infectious viral illness, most common in children, that causes an intensely itchy rash of blisters. Your child may generally feel unwell, with a headache and mild fever, just before the rash develops and for the first few days afterward.
The first symptoms appear 10–21 days after contact with the infection, and most children are completely recovered 7–10 days later. Keep your child away from school and away from any woman who may be pregnant for 5 days from the time the blisters first appear.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
See your doctor first
Arrange to see your doctor to confirm that your child has chicken pox, especially if the child is very young, immunocompromised, or if blisters appear near the eyes.
03 · Act
Return to your doctor if your child develops:
- 1Pus-filled spots or blisters near the eyes — these need prompt treatment.
- 2Earache, headache, breathing problems, drowsiness, or convulsions.
- 3Signs of a skin infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or oozing around blisters.
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Prevent scratching — it causes scars
Scratching infected blisters can lead to permanent scarring and increases the risk of bacterial skin infection. Use every available method to reduce the urge to scratch.
- 1Reduce fever and offer fluids.If your child has a fever, give analgesics and offer plenty to drink throughout the day.
- 2Soothe itching with baths.Give lukewarm baths twice a day. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or use a colloidal oatmeal lotion to the bath water for additional relief.
- 3Use antihistamines and calamine.An oral antihistamine will reduce itching and help your child sleep at night. Calamine lotion is cooling, soothing, and helps dry up blisters — apply with a cotton ball as needed.
- 4Cut nails and use cotton gloves.Keep your child's nails short to reduce damage from scratching. Put cotton gloves on at night to prevent unconscious scratching during sleep.
- 5Soothe mouth spots with salt water.If there are spots in the mouth, have your child rinse with half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water — ensure they do not swallow the solution.
- 6Choose comfortable clothing.Dress your child in light, loose, non-irritating clothing. Avoid wool. Natural cotton is best against sensitive skin.
- 7Isolate from vulnerable people.Keep your child away from school and away from any pregnant woman, newborns, or immunocompromised individuals for 5 days from when blisters first appear.
Practical technique
Practical technique — soothing baths
Using baking soda and oatmeal for itch relief
Lukewarm baths with soothing additives are one of the most effective ways to relieve chicken pox itching. They can be given up to twice a day.
- Baking soda bath: Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a bath one-third full of lukewarm water. Soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Oatmeal bath: Add colloidal oatmeal (available at pharmacies) to lukewarm water. Alternatively, use an oatmeal-based lotion instead of soap during the bath.
- Calamine tip: After the bath and gentle patting dry, dab calamine lotion onto spots with a cotton ball. Count spots with your child as you apply — it can make the process more engaging for younger children.
Always use lukewarm — not warm or hot — water. Hot water increases blood flow to the skin and can intensify itching. Pat dry gently; do not rub.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Chicken pox is usually mild in children but can be serious for newborns, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Keep your child home until all blisters have crusted over.
Protect vulnerable people — keep an infected child away from pregnant women and anyone with a compromised immune system until fully crusted.