CHICKENPOX

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR CHICKENPOX

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance)

Not moving or too weak to stand

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Area of red, tender skin or red streak.
Very painful swelling or very swollen face.
Speckled red rash.
Difficult to awaken, confused, trouble walking or stiff neck.
Breathing is difficult.
Bleeding into the chickenpox.
Fever above 104°F (40°C).
Age less than 1 month old.
Vomiting 3 or more times.
Eye pain or constant blinking.
Chronic disease that causes decreased immunity (e.g., cancer).
Taking oral or inhaled steroids (e.g., asthma) within past 2 weeks.
Chronic skin condition (e.g., eczema).
Chronic lung disease (e.g., cystic fibrosis).

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen.
Teen 13 years or older has chickenpox.
Exposed to chickenpox within last 5 days and never received chickenpox vaccine.
Lymph node has become large and tender.
Fever lasts for more than 4 days OR returns after going away for more than 24 hours.
Scab or sore is draining yellow pus OR becomes much larger in size than the others (size lareger than a dime or 10 mm).
Gets new chickenpox after day 6.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

Chickenpox with no complications and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

See Other Topics:

Rashes, Widespread and Cause Unknown

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