At a glance
- Chickenpox often causes itchy blisters in different stages, with new spots appearing while older ones crust. Vaccinated children may have fewer spots without blisters.
- Chickenpox can spread before the rash appears. Avoid exposing pregnant people without immunity, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Stay home until all lesions have crusted. For vaccinated children whose lesions do not crust, wait until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours.
- Call the clinician before visiting if chickenpox is suspected. Ask promptly about treatment after exposure or illness in a high-risk person.
- Get emergency help for trouble breathing, difficulty waking, a stiff neck, or a child who is unwell with a purple or bruiselike rash that does not fade with pressure.
Assessment and recognition
Chickenpox often causes itchy blisters in different stages, with new spots appearing while older ones crust. Vaccinated children may have fewer spots without blisters.
Chickenpox can spread before the rash appears. Avoid exposing pregnant people without immunity, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
Care and follow-up
Call the clinician before visiting if chickenpox is suspected. Ask promptly about treatment after exposure or illness in a high-risk person.
Get emergency help for trouble breathing, difficulty waking, a stiff neck, or a child who is unwell with a purple or bruiselike rash that does not fade with pressure.
School and everyday life
Stay home until all lesions have crusted. For vaccinated children whose lesions do not crust, wait until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours.
Common questions
Can vaccinated children still get chickenpox?
Chickenpox often causes itchy blisters in different stages, with new spots appearing while older ones crust. Vaccinated children may have fewer spots without blisters.
Should I call before visiting with suspected chickenpox?
Call the clinician before visiting if chickenpox is suspected. Ask promptly about treatment after exposure or illness in a high-risk person.
When can a child with chickenpox return to school?
Stay home until all lesions have crusted. For vaccinated children whose lesions do not crust, wait until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours.
Which symptoms need emergency help?
Get emergency help for trouble breathing, difficulty waking, a stiff neck, or a child who is unwell with a purple or bruiselike rash that does not fade with pressure.
Sources
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.