If any of the following conditions develop with chickenpox, consult a doctor:

• Fever exceeding 103°F
• Rash affecting an eye
• Continued dehydration, vomiting, or reduced fluid intake
• Uncertainty about diagnosis or medication
• Secondary skin infections

Signs of bacterial infection include the following:

• Blisters oozing thick, yellow or green fluid
• Redness, increasing pain, swelling around blisters, or red streaking

If someone with chickenpox experiences difficulty breathing, confusion, extreme drowsiness, or seizures with high fever and headache, seek immediate care at a hospital's Emergency Department.

Self-Care at Home

Most chickenpox cases can be managed at home. The itchy rash can be alleviated with several home treatments:

Apply cool compresses to blisters or use calamine lotion for relief.

Give cool-water baths every 3-4 hours, adding baking soda or Aveeno oatmeal for soothing.

To prevent scratching-induced infection, trim fingernails or cover an infant's hands with mittens.

Relieve itching with over-the-counter oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Treat fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check labels for child-friendly formulations with no aspirin, which should not be given to children due to the risk of Reye syndrome.

If mouth blisters cause eating or drinking discomfort, provide cold fluids and soft, bland foods. Avoid spicy or acidic foods.

Keep children with chickenpox at home from school and daycare until all blisters have crusted over, as chickenpox is highly contagious.

If visiting a doctor's office, call ahead to inform them of the suspected chickenpox case and prevent exposing others.