Home / Templates / Health and wellbeing / Chickenpox at home

Free template

Free chickenpox at home

Help your child stay comfortable while chickenpox runs its course. Do not give ibuprofen unless a doctor advises it, or aspirin to children. Keep them away from others while infectious and check local school guidance. Get medical advice quickly if a newborn, pregnant person or someone with a weak immune system has been near them.

Comfort

• Loose cotton clothes
• Cut nails short
• Cotton gloves at night
• Cool baths
• Plenty of fluids

Medicines

• Age-appropriate paracetamol
• Cooling gel or lotion
• Ask a pharmacist about antihistamines

Keeping others safe

• Check when they can go back to school
• Tell the school or nursery
• Keep away from pregnant people, newborns and anyone with a weak immune system
• Call ahead before visiting a clinic

Get help if

• Spots become red, hot or painful
• Signs of dehydration
• Symptoms getting worse
• They seem very unwell
• Breathing difficulties

17 items