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Chickenpox (Varicella) - When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor right away if you or your child with chickenpox has:

A severe headache or constant vomiting, sensitivity to bright light, or unusual sleepiness or confusion. These may be signs of inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
Problems breathing or persistent coughing. These may be signs of varicella pneumonia.
Red, warm, and sore skin, or if the chickenpox rash changes to bigger open sores. These may be signs of serious skin infection.

Call your doctor if you or your child with chickenpox has any of the following:

Recommended Related to Chicken Pox

Understanding Chickenpox -- Prevention

A varicella zoster vaccine to prevent chickenpox received FDA approval in 1995. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be immunized, usually after the child is 1 year old. The vaccine is also a protection to vulnerable people, such as non-immune women who plan to become pregnant. Some, such as those who are already pregnant, are not eligible to receive the chickenpox vaccine. Consult your doctor for advice. A similar vaccine -- but in a higher dose -- is also available for the...

Read the Understanding Chickenpox -- Prevention article > >

A fever of more than 102°F (38.9°C) that lasts longer than 2 days
Severe itching that cannot be relieved by home treatment
Chickenpox rash on the eyeball
A rash that lasts longer than 2 weeks

If you are older than age 12 and have not had chickenpox or don't know if you have had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, call your doctor if you have been in contact with someone who has chickenpox. This is especially important for pregnant women and for people with impaired immune systems, no matter what age they are.

If you or your child has chickenpox, call your doctor to make an appointment and to discuss whether you should take any precautions when you arrive to avoid spreading the infection. For example, office staff may take you directly to an exam room upon your arrival rather than have you wait in the lobby.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. If you know that you or your child has been in contact with someone who has chickenpox, watch for the first symptoms (such as fever, feeling sick, decreased appetite, headache, cough, and sore throat). These symptoms usually appear between 14 and 16 days after contact with the infected person. Call your doctor as soon as symptoms or signs appear.

Who To See

The following health professionals can diagnose and treat chickenpox:

If severe complications develop, you may be referred to a specialist. For example, you may see a pulmonologist for lung problems. But most healthy children and adults do not develop serious complications from chickenpox.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 30, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.