Take the Chickenpox Quiz! Childhood Skin Problems Slideshow View Images of Chickenpox (Varicella)

Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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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
• Chickenpox during pregnancy (especially during the last month)
• Secondary skin infections
• Signs of bacterial infection include the following:
• Blisters leaking a thick yellow or green fluid
• Skin around a blister appears red, increasingly painful, or swollen, or has 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.