Chickenpox is very contagious and is spread from person to person. If your child is exposed to chickenpox, you will know if he has gotten chickenpox in about 2 weeks. Most people only get chickenpox once because they develop immunity to the varicella virus. Benadryl liquid taken by mouth may help with itching, but remember that this medicine might also make your child more sleepy. Try to keep your child from scratching the rash.
Scratching can cause the rash to become infected and can cause scarring.
You may need to put socks on your child's hands to help prevent scratching. Rash in the mouth can be very painful. If you think that your child has been exposed to chickenpox or develops a rash that may be chickenpox, please call our office to discuss this before bringing in your child. Because chickenpox is so contagious, we try not to expose other children in the office. Call our office immediately if your child has chickenpox and develops trouble walking, becomes confused or difficult to awaken, complains of a sore neck or a severe headache, or has vomiting more than three times.