Chickenpox is a contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash with small fluid-filled blisters. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and spreads easily from person to person.
Chickenpox used to be very common in children in the United States. Today it occurs less often because of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, which protects against infection and serious complications.
Even though many people are vaccinated, chickenpox can still occur. Knowing the symptoms, how it spreads and how it’s treated can help protect you and your family.
At Banner Health, our providers diagnose and treat chickenpox and can help you prevent infection through vaccination and preventive care.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus spreads easily and infects people who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine.
Once a person is infected, the virus multiplies in the body and causes the characteristic rash and other symptoms.
After a chickenpox infection, the virus stays inactive in the body. Years later, it can reactivate and cause shingles, a painful rash that affects adults more often than children.
Chickenpox spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with the rash.
You can catch chickenpox by:
A person with chickenpox is contagious one to two days before the rash appears and remains contagious until all blisters have formed scabs.
Because the virus spreads easily, outbreaks can happen in places where people are in close contact, such as schools, childcare centers and households.
Anyone who has not had chickenpox or received the vaccine can become infected.
Some people are more likely to develop severe illness or complications, including:
Chickenpox during pregnancy can cause complications for both the pregnant person and the baby.
Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment or medications that suppress the immune system increase the risk of severe infection.
Chickenpox is often more severe in adults than in children.
Babies younger than 1 year old may be at higher risk, especially if their parent has never had chickenpox or the vaccine.
The virus spreads easily in schools, households and childcare settings.
Chickenpox symptoms usually begin 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
Early symptoms may include:
Within a day or two, the chickenpox rash appears.
The rash develops in several stages.
Small red bumps appear on the face, chest, back or scalp.
The bumps fill with clear fluid and become itchy blisters, called vesicles.
Blisters break open and form scabs. New spots may appear for several days.
The rash may spread across the body and can sometimes appear in the mouth, eyelids or genital area.
Most scabs fall off within one to two weeks.
Chickenpox is usually diagnosed by looking at the rash and reviewing symptoms.
Your health care provider may:
In some situations, a provider may confirm the diagnosis with:
Testing may be used if symptoms are unusual or if the person is at higher risk for complications.
Most people recover from chickenpox without complications. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing infection of the blisters.
Home care treatments include:
Avoid aspirin for children with viral illnesses because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
For people at higher risk of complications, a provider may prescribe antiviral medications, such as acyclovir.
Most cases of chickenpox can be managed at home, but some symptoms require medical attention.
See your health care provider if you notice:
Go to the emergency department if you experience:
If you are unsure whether symptoms require medical care, contact your provider for guidance.
Most people recover from chickenpox without problems, but complications can sometimes occur.
Possible complications include:
Scratching blisters can allow bacteria to enter the skin and cause infections such as cellulitis or impetigo.
Chickenpox can sometimes lead to infection in the lungs.
In rare cases, the virus can cause inflammation of the brain.
This rare condition affects the brain and liver and is linked to aspirin use in children with viral illnesses.
Rarely, chickenpox can affect blood clotting and cause unusual bleeding or bruising.
The varicella virus stays in the body after chickenpox and can reactivate later as shingles.
Because of this risk, the shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 and older.
The best way to prevent chickenpox is vaccination.
The varicella vaccine is safe and highly effective.
Children usually receive two doses:
Adults who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine may also benefit from vaccination.
Other prevention steps include:
In the past, some parents held “chickenpox parties” (sometimes called pox parties) to intentionally expose children to the virus. The idea was that getting chickenpox at a younger age might lead to a milder illness.
Today, health experts do not recommend chickenpox parties.
Chickenpox can lead to serious complications, including:
Because the infection spreads easily, intentionally exposing a child could also put others at risk, including babies or people who cannot receive the vaccine.
Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect children and adults from chickenpox and its complications.
If you have questions about the chickenpox vaccine or possible exposure to the virus, talk with your health care provider.
If you or your child may have chickenpox, a Banner Health provider can help diagnose the illness, recommend treatment and answer questions about vaccination and prevention.
Sign in to Patient Account
