Chickenpox is a highly contagious childhood illness. A susceptible child can contract chickenpox if they have been in the same room for an extended period of time with a person who has chickenpox or if they have been playing with another child who has chickenpox. They can also get it if they come into contact with something that still has live chicken pox virus on it, such as the inside surface of clothing worn by someone who has chickenpox. A child is infectious two days before the rash appears and remains infectious until all of the blisters have formed scabs and are dry.
This usually takes 5 to 7 days. While they are contagious, children should avoid daycare and school. The person is no longer infectious once all of the spots have formed scabs. Your child may return to school once the spots have scabbed over and dried. Chickenpox is most common in children between the ages of two and ten. If one of your children gets it, it is almost certain that any other children who have never had chickenpox or been immunized will get it next. Some children get chicken pox but don't get a rash.
Treatment
Most children do not need any treatment for chickenpox
For fever or pain, give your child Paracetamol. Give your child the dose that is recommended on the.
Chickenpox can be prevented by immunisation.
Do not use Calamine lotion as it dries the skin. This makes the spots more itchy, and your child will want to scratch them even more.

By: Asst. Lec. Halah.T.Mohammed
Email: [email protected]