When to Seek Medical Care

Although most cases of chickenpox heal without complications, sometimes medical attention is required. Call the doctor if any of the following conditions develop:

• Fever higher than 103°F



• A rash involving an eye; eye pain (especially unusual sensitivity to light)



• Dehydration, vomiting, or decreased fluid intake



• Uncertainty of diagnosis or what medication to give



• Secondary skin infections



• Signs of bacterial infection include the following:



• Blisters leaking a thick yellow or green fluid



• Areas around a blister are red, increasingly painful, or swollen, or have red streaking extending from the site

If someone with chickenpox begins to breathe with difficulty, shows confusion, disorientation, or appears extremely sleepy and becomes belligerent or difficult to wake up, go immediately to a hospital's emergency department. In addition, any seizures or high fever accompanied by headache and vomiting need prompt emergency evaluation.