Non-urgent advice: Speak to a GP if:
- you're not sure it's chickenpox
- the skin around the blisters is red, hot or painful (signs of infection)
- your child is dehydrated
- you're concerned about your child or they get worse
Tell the receptionist you think it's chickenpox before going in. They may recommend a special appointment time if other patients are at risk.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment if:
- you're an adult and have chickenpox
- you're pregnant and haven't had chickenpox before and you've been near someone with it
- you have a weakened immune system and you've been near someone with chickenpox
- you think your newborn baby has chickenpox
In these situations, your GP can prescribe medicine to prevent complications. You need to take it within 24 hours of the spots coming out.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you or someone you know needs immediate help
- you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency.
Find your nearest A&E
Important:
School, nursery or work
Stay away from school, nursery or work until all the spots have crusted over. This is usually 5 days after the spots first appeared.