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Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. People who get the virus have:

  • a fever
  • a rash of spots that look like blisters

They also might get a runny nose, cough, and stomachache.

Thanks to the chickenpox vaccine, kids don't get chickenpox as much as they once did.

What Are the Signs of Chickenpox?



You've probably heard that chickenpox is itchy. It's true! The chickenpox blisters are small and sit on an area of red skin that can be anywhere from the size of a pencil eraser to the size of a dime.



How Does Chickenpox Spread?


Someone with chickenpox can pass it to others by coughing or sneezing, when tiny drops come out of the mouth and nose. These drops are full of the chickenpox virus. It's easy for others to breathe in these drops or get them on their hands. Before you know it, the chickenpox virus has infected someone new.

Itchy-Itchy, Scratchy-Scratchy

If you are that unlucky person, how do you keep your chickenpox from driving you crazy? They itch, but you shouldn't scratch them. Scratching the blisters can tear your skin and leave scars. Scratching also can let germs in, and the blisters could get infected.

These tips can help you feel less itchy:

  • Keep cool because heat and sweat will make you itch more. You might want to put a lukewarm washcloth on the really bad areas.
  • Soak in a lukewarm bath. Adding some to your bath water can help relieve the itching.


How Can I Feel Better?

While you have the chickenpox, a pain reliever like might help you feel better, but let your parents help you with this. Medicines and creams that may stop the itch can also be helpful.



Most kids don't have any major problems and get better in a week or two. And when all the blisters have scabs, you're not contagious anymore and you can go back to school! In a few days, the scabs will fall off. A kid who gets chickenpox is unlikely to ever get it again.

Get a Shot, Avoid the Dots!

Not long ago, millions of people got chickenpox each year in the United States. But now that kids get the vaccine, fewer and fewer people get chickenpox.

Kids get the chickenpox vaccine as two shots:

  1. a first shot when they're 12–15 months old
  2. a booster shot when they're 4–6 years old

But kids can get vaccinated when they're older too. Ask your mom or dad if you've had your shots. You'll be glad that you did if chickenpox starts making its way around your school!

Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date reviewed: January 2019