Chickenpox

Chicken pox, also spelled chickenpox, is a very contagious virus that causes an itchy rash of red spots that turn into fluid filled blisters. Chickenpox symptoms also include fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite. The vaccine has made it much less common, but cases still happen.

What Is It

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that later causes shingles. It spreads through the air and by touching blisters. Most vaccinated people who get it have a milder case with fewer spots. It is more serious in babies, teens, adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.

Symptoms

Fever, tiredness, and headache a day or two before the rash
Red, itchy spots that start on the chest, back, and face
Spots that turn into fluid filled blisters
Blisters that crust over and scab
New spots appearing in waves for several days
Loss of appetite

Not sure it’s chickenpox? A painful band of blisters on one side of the body in an adult is more likely shingles. Spots with honey colored crusts may be impetigo.

Treatment

At your visit: Chickenpox is diagnosed by the rash pattern. Antiviral medicine may help teens, adults, and people at higher risk when started early. Treatment eases itching, and blisters are watched for infection.

At home:

Use calamine lotion and oatmeal baths for itching
Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching
Use fever medicine other than aspirin, as directed on the label
Stay home until all blisters have crusted over

Most chickenpox clears within 1 to 2 weeks.

When to Get Care for Chickenpox

Watch at Home

A mild case in a healthy child
Fever under 102 degrees
Drinking well and itching controlled at home

Come to Urgent Care Today

Chickenpox in a teen, adult, or pregnant woman
Blisters that become red, warm, swollen, or drain pus
Fever lasting more than 4 days or above 102 degrees
Chickenpox in someone with a weak immune system
Exposure during pregnancy

Go to the Emergency Department

Trouble breathing or a severe cough
Stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or trouble walking
A baby under 3 months with fever or rash
Very sleepy, hard to wake, or a seizure

FAQ

What are the first signs of chickenpox?

The first signs of chickenpox are fever, tiredness, and headache, followed in a day or two by itchy red spots that turn into blisters.

How long is chickenpox contagious?

Chickenpox is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash until all blisters have crusted over, usually about 5 to 7 days.

Can you get chickenpox if vaccinated?

Yes, vaccinated people can get chickenpox, but it is usually much milder, with fewer spots and little or no fever.

How long does chickenpox last?

Chickenpox usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks. New spots stop appearing after about 5 days. Children can return to school once all blisters have crusted over.

Can urgent care treat chickenpox?

Yes, urgent care can diagnose and treat chickenpox. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can confirm the rash, check for infection, and discuss treatment. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is chickenpox an emergency?

Chickenpox is an emergency when it comes with trouble breathing, a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, or in a baby under 3 months.

Last reviewed October 2026