What should I do if my child has chickenpox?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on March 08, 2025
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Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection and is highly contagious, primarily spreading through the air or droplets. Once infected, it quickly spreads to children or older adults who are in contact with each other. It is best for a child with chickenpox to go to a dermatology department at a formal hospital for antiviral medication treatment. Some children may develop a high fever and can take some fever-reducing medicine appropriately; if there is an inflammatory infection, some anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken as needed. During treatment, it is important to isolate, drink plenty of water, and eat a light diet. Try to avoid going outside in the wind or to crowded places to prevent cross-infection. (Doctor's answer is for reference only; medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, do not take medicine blindly.)

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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Chickenpox Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever presents as a low-grade fever, possibly accompanied by chills, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for one to two days, followed by the appearance of a rash. The rash first appears on the trunk, then on the head and face, and is relatively less common on the limbs. It begins as red maculopapular rash and turns into vesicular rash within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches, and maculopapules, vesicles, and crusts can be seen in the same area. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that can be cured in about ten days. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have crusted over. Early in the course of the disease, antiviral treatment with acyclovir can be used. It is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching the vesicles to prevent infection.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do you always have a fever with chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and most infections are accompanied by fever. Some severe cases may even experience high fevers, reaching around 40°C. However, some individuals with stronger constitutions might only develop blisters on their bodies without showing any fever symptoms. Regardless of the type, once infected with chickenpox, it is crucial to treat with proper antiviral medication. Additionally, this disease is highly contagious. Avoid contact with children or elderly people as it can be transmitted through the air. It is advisable to isolate oneself, eat more vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of water, and rest. With treatment, recovery generally occurs within about a week.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Symptoms and Treatment of Chickenpox in Children

Chickenpox is an acute, contagious, exanthematous disease caused by varicella-zoster virus infection. Before the rash appears, symptoms such as fever, discomfort, and loss of appetite may occur. The fever typically lasts about one day before the rash emerges. The rash initially appears on the head, face, and trunk with a centripetal distribution. The rash can present as macules, papules, vesicles, and crusts all appearing simultaneously. Rashes can also appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth and the genital area. The treatment for chickenpox involves symptomatic and supportive care, and antiviral medications may be used appropriately to protect the skin and prevent scratching.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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What fruits can you eat with chickenpox?

When children have chickenpox, they can eat foods and fruits rich in vitamins, such as kiwis, apples, and cherry tomatoes. During chickenpox, it is important to maintain a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding overly greasy and spicy foods. If the chickenpox is particularly itchy, topical calamine lotion can be applied to help relieve itching and prevent scratching, which can lead to infections. It is necessary to treat children with antiviral medications, as chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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Chickenpox prevention measures

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease, and prevention of the infection mainly involves the following three aspects: First, control the source of infection. Patients with chickenpox are the only source of infection, so they should be isolated until all the chickenpox blisters have crusted over. Second, cut off the transmission route. Avoid close contact with chickenpox patients, prevent airborne droplet transmission, and avoid contact with items contaminated with the chickenpox virus. Third, protect susceptible populations. Chickenpox is highly contagious and generally susceptible in the population. Infants over one year old can be vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine for prevention. Regular exercise, nutritional enhancement, physical strengthening, frequent hand washing, and maintaining ventilation in indoor environments are also advisable.