Chickenpox

Itchy spots that turn into blisters, then scabs. Chickenpox is usually mild in children, but it can be serious for newborns, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems. A vaccine prevents most cases.

How it goes: a day or two of fever, tiredness and going off food, then red spots that become blisters and crust over. New spots keep coming for 3 to 5 days. Most are crusted by about 10 days. Symptoms start 2 to 3 weeks after catching it.

How it spreads: very easily, through the air and blister fluid. People are infectious from about 2 days before the rash until every blister has crusted over.

Complications: the most common is a bacterial skin infection of the spots, including from strep bacteria. Rarer ones include pneumonia and brain inflammation. Adults, teenagers, newborns and people with weak immune systems are more at risk.

The vaccine: in Australia, children get one dose of a combined measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox vaccine at 18 months, free on the National Immunisation Program. People aged 14 and over who haven’t had chickenpox need 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart.

The chickenpox ladder

Most children only need comfort care. Antiviral medicine is for people at higher risk of complications. Avoid ibuprofen.

1. Step 1 · Self-careParacetamol, fluids and cool comfortParacetamol for fever or soreness, plenty of fluids (ice blocks count), loose clothes, oat baths and patting skin dry. Keep nails short, and try mittens at night to stop scratching.

   Works

   Eases symptoms while the virus runs its course. In healthy children aged 1 week to 12 years, no specific treatment is needed

   Cost

   Free, plus a few dollars for paracetamol

   How long

   About 10 days until all spots are crusted

   Watch for

   Spots that get redder, hotter and more painful can mean infection.

   Scratching: tempting, but it’s how the scars happen.

2. Step 2 · PharmacyItch reliefAsk a pharmacist about soothing creams or gels and an antihistamine suitable for your child’s age to help with itch and sleep.

   Works

   Can ease itch and help sleep; doesn’t change the course of the illness

   Cost

   About $10–20

   How long

   Until the spots crust over

   Watch for

   Some antihistamines cause drowsiness; check the age limit on the pack.

   Sleep is the real treatment for everyone in the house.

3. Step 3 · GPAntiviral tablets (aciclovir) for someA doctor may suggest antiviral tablets for people at higher risk, such as unvaccinated children over 12, people with severe eczema or chronic lung disease, children on steroid tablets, and second cases in the same household.

   Works

   Given to reduce the chance of complications in higher-risk groups; most healthy children don’t need it

   Cost

   Prescription; cost varies

   How long

   About a week

   Watch for

   If you’re in a higher-risk group, see a doctor early.

   Not for every spotty kid, but worth asking about if you’re in a risk group.

4. Step 4 · HospitalAntiviral dripFor newborn babies, people with weak immune systems, and anyone with complications such as pneumonia.

   Works

   Used to treat or prevent serious complications

   Cost

   Free in Australian public hospitals

   How long

   Days

   Watch for

   Pregnant women exposed to chickenpox should see a doctor within 24 hours.

   Serious chickenpox is rare. Hospitals take it seriously when it happens.

Costs are rough Australian prices in November 2026 and vary by pharmacy and provider. PBS co-payment: $25, or $7.70 with a concession card. Results are typical figures from trials, not promises.

Save your money

Popular, heavily marketed or often asked about, but the evidence is weak or says no.

• IbuprofenAvoid it in chickenpox. It’s linked to a higher risk of serious strep skin infections. Use paracetamol instead.
• AspirinNever give aspirin to children. It’s linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• Antibiotics for ordinary spotsChickenpox is a virus. Antibiotics only help if the skin becomes infected.

What you can do

• Keep your child home until every spot has crusted over.
• Keep away from newborns, pregnant women who haven’t had chickenpox, and people with weak immune systems.
• Use paracetamol, not ibuprofen.
• Cut nails short and use cotton mittens at night.
• Check your child’s vaccines are up to date.
• Adults who had chickenpox can later get shingles from the same virus.

See your GP if

• Your child is in a higher-risk group, or is over 12 and unvaccinated
• You’re pregnant and have been near someone with chickenpox (see a doctor within 24 hours)
• Spots become red, hot, swollen or more painful
• New spots are still appearing after 7 days, or the rash spreads to the eyes
• A fever of 38°C or more lasts more than 3 days, or comes back

See a doctor urgently if

• A newborn baby, or anyone with a weak immune system, who gets chickenpox
• Breathing faster or harder than usual
• Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or not weeing
• Your child is getting worse overall

Call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number if someone with chickenpox is struggling to breathe, has pale, blue or blotchy skin, is very hard to wake or confused, has a fit, or has a rash that doesn’t fade when you press a glass on it.

Helpful resources

• NHS Healthier Together: ChickenpoxEasing symptoms and warning signs. Free, UK.
• healthdirect: Fever in childrenFever care and when to see a doctor. Free, Australia.
• Shingles fact sheetWhen the chickenpox virus comes back later. Free, from us.

Evidence and more information

• Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne: Chickenpox (varicella) clinical practice guideline
• NHS Healthier Together: Chickenpox

Reviewed 4 November 2026. General education, not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your situation, so talk to your GP, physio or pharmacist.

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