Precautions for Children with Chickenpox

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on March 15, 2025
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Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, which is more common in children but can also occur in adults. The peak season for this illness is spring. Therefore, after children contract chickenpox, it is crucial to isolate them to prevent contact with other children or the elderly, as it can spread to others quickly. Typically, conventional antiviral medications are sufficient for treatment. If fever occurs, it is advisable to take some fever-reducing medications appropriately. It is also recommended to have a light diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water. Adequate rest is important, and if small blisters appear on the body, avoid scratching them to prevent infection and more severe symptoms. Generally, this disease confers lifelong immunity, meaning there is no recurrence after the initial episode.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How long does it take to treat chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. It can be spread through air or droplets by mutual contact. Once infected, the disease can generally be cured within about a week or ten days with proper treatment. During the treatment period, it is essential to drink plenty of water, avoid crowded places, and avoid contact with children or older people to prevent spreading the virus to others. It is also crucial to rest, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and not stay up late. If fever occurs, appropriate fever-reducing medication can be taken.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What should I do if my child gets chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious, usually spreading through the air. Once infected, a person can quickly transmit the disease to others within a small area. After a confirmed diagnosis, antiviral medication is needed, which can be administered orally or through infusion. During treatment, chickenpox may cause high fever; if this occurs, appropriate fever-reducing medication can be used. Throughout the treatment period, it is important to drink plenty of water, rest, avoid strenuous activity, and eat a light diet. Try to isolate during treatment and avoid contact with other children or elderly people to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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What should be paid attention to when children have chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease, and when there are no complications, treatment generally focuses on symptomatic relief. During illness, isolation should be maintained to prevent infection and enhance care, such as frequently changing underwear, trimming the child's nails, and wearing gloves to prevent scratching. Keep the air well-ventilated, provide sufficient fluids and easily digestible food. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, antibiotic treatment should be administered. The child should be isolated until all the rash has crusted over.

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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 Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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How is chickenpox treated?

The symptoms of chickenpox often present no symptoms in infants and toddlers, but they may experience low fever, irritability, and reluctance to breastfeed. Simultaneously, a rash appears. In older children and adults, symptoms can include low fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and loss of appetite, followed by the appearance of a rash after one to two days. The rash first appears on the torso and then spreads to the face and limbs. Since chickenpox rash typically appears in batches, at the same site one may see maculopapular rashes, vesicles, and scabs. About a week later, the scabs fall off, generally leaving no scars. However, secondary bacterial infections of the rash can occur, leading to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves itself in about ten days. Treatment of chickenpox involves isolating the patient until all the blisters have completely scabbed over. During the fever phase, bed rest is recommended, along with easily digestible food and adequate hydration. Skin care should be emphasized to prevent infection. Early antiviral treatment can be effective, particularly if administered within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash, as it can help control the rash's progression and accelerate recovery. In cases of secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used. If encephalitis leads to cerebral edema, dehydration treatment should be administered. The use of corticosteroids is not advisable for chickenpox as they can cause the disease to spread.