Chickenpox: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Chickenpox?
A pediatrician (a children's doctor) or a family doctor usually diagnoses and treats chickenpox. If a skin infection develops, a dermatologist (a skin doctor) may help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes very itchy blisters. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The same virus also causes shingles in adults. Chickenpox spreads very easily, even before the rash appears.
Symptoms
Most children have fever, headache, and a stomach ache before the rash appears. The rash usually starts on the face, the middle of the body, or the scalp. Blisters can appear on parts or on all of the body.
The rash turns into small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters over red spots. A child often gets 250 to 500 blisters. After a day or two, the blisters become cloudy and then scab. New blisters can still form in groups. Most pox do not leave scars unless they get infected from scratching.
Causes and who gets it
Chickenpox spreads in two main ways. You can get it from touching the fluid from a chickenpox blister. You can also get it if someone with the disease coughs or sneezes near you. A person is contagious 1 to 2 days before blisters appear until all the blisters have crusted over.
Most cases happen in children younger than age 10. Adults and older children usually get sicker than younger children. Chickenpox can be serious, even life-threatening, during pregnancy, in babies, adolescents, adults, and people with weakened immune systems (people whose bodies have a hard time fighting germs). After you recover, the virus often stays dormant, or asleep, in the body and can come back as shingles later in life.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors can usually diagnose chickenpox by looking at the rash and asking about the person's medical history. Small blisters on the scalp confirm the diagnosis in most cases. Lab tests can help confirm it if needed.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on comfort while the body fights the virus. Keep fingernails short so scratching does not damage the skin. Lukewarm baths, including oatmeal or cornstarch baths, can help the itching. Calamine lotion can help too.
Do not give aspirin to someone who may have chickenpox. Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious disease that affects the liver and brain and can cause death. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used for fever. Ibuprofen has been linked to life-threatening bacterial skin infections, so it is best avoided if possible.
Antiviral medicine is not for everyone. Doctors recommend it for people more likely to develop dangerous illness, such as pregnant women, otherwise healthy people older than 12 years, people with chronic skin or lung disease, and people on long-term steroid therapy. It works best if it is started within the first 24 hours after the rash starts. Keep a child home from school until all sores have crusted over or dried out.
When to see a doctor
Call the doctor right away if any of these symptoms develop: a fever that lasts longer than 4 days, or a rash that becomes very red, warm, or tender or begins leaking pus. Call 911 if someone has trouble breathing, is hard to wake up, is confused, or has a seizure. Also call the doctor if you think your child has chickenpox, or if your child is over 12 months old and has not been vaccinated. If you are pregnant or have a weak immune system and you were near someone with chickenpox, call the doctor.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. For chickenpox, this doctor can do an evaluation, confirm the rash, watch for skin infection, and refer you to a specialist when needed.
Common questions
How do you catch chickenpox?
You can catch it from touching the fluid from a chickenpox blister. You can also catch it if someone with the disease coughs or sneezes near you. A person is contagious 1 to 2 days before blisters appear until all the blisters have crusted over.
Can you get chickenpox if you had the vaccine?
Yes, but it is usually mild. Vaccinated people often have fewer to no blisters and low or no fever. Children who had the vaccine and still get sick often have fewer than 30 pox.
Is chickenpox dangerous during pregnancy?
Yes. Women who get chickenpox during pregnancy can pass the infection to the developing baby. Newborns are at risk for severe infection.
What is the best way to prevent chickenpox?
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Children under 13 years old should get 2 doses. The vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe illness.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Chickenpox
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - How to Treat Chickenpox
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Chickenpox Vaccination
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
