Chickenpox in Babies: Signs, Care & Vaccination | Parenting Hub
Chickenpox is less common since vaccination. Signs to look for, how to relieve the itch, and when complications need urgent care.
Chickenpox is far less common in Australia since vaccination, but still occurs. Here's how to recognise it, ease the itch, and watch for complications.
What it is
Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by varicella-zoster. The chickenpox vaccine is given on the National Immunisation Program at 18 months, so most Australian children have some protection.
Signs
A clear pattern develops over a few days.
- Mild fever, tiredness and loss of appetite for 1–2 days
- Itchy red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters, then crust over
- Spots usually start on the chest, back or face and spread
- New crops keep appearing over 3–5 days
- Total illness usually 7–10 days
What helps
Comfort and preventing secondary infection from scratching.
- Lukewarm baths with oatmeal or sodium bicarbonate (1 cup per bath)
- Calamine lotion or soothing creams for itch
- Keep fingernails short; mittens for young babies
- Loose, cool cotton clothing
- Paracetamol for fever — do NOT use ibuprofen for chickenpox (small but real risk of severe skin infection)
- Plenty of fluids and rest
Keep away from
Chickenpox is dangerous for certain groups.
- Newborns
- Pregnant women who haven't had chickenpox or vaccination
- People with weakened immune systems
When to see a doctor
See your GP if spots become hot, red, swollen or weep pus (skin infection), if a baby under 6 months has chickenpox, or if symptoms are severe.
When to seek urgent care
Difficulty breathing, drowsiness, stiff neck, severe headache, spreading redness around blisters, or chickenpox in a newborn — same-day medical care.
When to seek help
- Spreading redness, swelling or pus around blisters
- High fever beyond day 4
- Drowsiness or unusual behaviour
- Difficulty breathing
- Chickenpox in a baby under 1 month old
Common questions
Can my baby have chickenpox after vaccination?
Yes, but it's usually much milder with fewer spots. The vaccine prevents severe disease and complications.
Why no ibuprofen?
There's a small but recognised link between ibuprofen and severe skin infection in chickenpox. Use paracetamol only.