Understanding Chickenpox (Varicella)
What is it? Chickenpox is caused by the virus named ‘Varicella-Zoster’, we more often call it "Varicella”. The medical abbreviation is “VZV”.
Facts:
- Chickenpox is very contagious through body fluids and bodily contact, a person is contagious 1-2 days before the rash spots show up and until the spots are crusted over
- Typical symptoms include low grade fever, fatigue, and a typical itchy rash that starts on the head/torso and then spreads to the whole body. The rash typically starts as red bumps that look like pimples which then get a white /fluid filled head which later ‘burst’ and crust over. Sometimes your child may have a sore throat, headache or stomach ache as well
- Most children typically have symptoms for 4-7 days
- It can take 10-21 days to show symptoms of Chickenpox after an individual is exposed
- Since 1995 there is a 2 series vaccine that most children routinely get at age 12-15 months, with a second dose at 4-5 years (usually the varicella vaccine is given at the same time as the MMR vaccine)
- 1 shot provides about 82% effectiveness against varicella, immunity can wane over time
- 2 shots provide 90-98% effectiveness against varicella, immunity can wane over time
- Each person usually only gets Chickenpox once in their life. Shingles is a reactivation of the virus within the body of someone who already had chickenpox. If you have never had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine and you are exposed to someone with shingles you can develop chickenpox, not shingles
*Chickenpox can cause more severe complications for pregnant women or anyone who is immunocompromised*
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's chickenpox at home when:
- Their fever is responsive to tylenol/motrin, they are not lethargic, and are staying well hydrated
- They are not immunocompromised
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies & Safe Medications for Chickenpox:
- For itchiness: Calamine cream, oatmeal baths, and cool compress or lukewarm bath
- Avoid scratching as much as possible to avoid scarring, make sure child's fingernails are cut short to help prevent local secondary bacteria infections
Safe Medications
- Weight based Tylenol or Motrin dosing for fever
- For itchiness can try weight/age based dosing of Benadryl or Loratadine
- Acyclovir - is only appropriate in certain cases, helps reduce severity but does not ‘cure’ Chickenpox, and must be prescribed - contact your primary care provider or discuss with your Poppins provider
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- You have symptoms that are not consistent with chickenpox
- You have any questions!
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- Directed by your Poppins provider
- Symptoms do not seem typical for Chickenpox
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
