Chickenpox

Chickenpox causes a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters, they can crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off. Some children have only a few spots, but other children have spots that cover their entire body.

child covered in chickenpox

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Small spots appear, they can spread or stay in a small area. They can be red, pink, darker or the same colour as surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone. The spots turn to blisters, which are filled with fluid and it’s the blisters which become very itchy and can burst. The blisters become scabs; some are flaky while others some leak fluid. Other symptoms that can occur are a high temperature, aches and pains, and loss of appetite. 

Can you catch chickenpox?

It’s easy to catch chickenpox and you can catch it by being in the same room as someone with it. It’s also spread by touching things that have fluid from the blisters on them. 

How contagious is chickenpox?

You can spread the virus to others from 2 days before your spots appear until they have formed scabs – usually 5 days after the spots appear.

Ask our pharmacist for advice on the best treatment options for you.

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