This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.
Chickenpox (Varicella) in Babies
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection characterised by itchy blisters all over the body. Since 2004, vaccination has been recommended in Germany. Unvaccinated babies can easily become infected — particularly dangerous for newborns and immunocompromised children.
Possible Causes
- 1Varicella-zoster virus — extremely contagious via droplet and contact transmission
- 2Direct contact with blister fluid from an infected child
- 3Contact with a person with shingles (herpes zoster) — same virus
- 4Missing vaccination or lack of passive immunity
- 5Infection possible 1-2 days BEFORE the rash appears
What You Can Do
- Relieve itching: cool compresses, calamine lotion, antihistamine drops (prescribed)
- Keep fingernails short — scratching can cause scars and bacterial superinfection
- Loose cotton clothing — friction and sweat worsen itching
- Reduce fever with paracetamol (NO ibuprofen with chickenpox — risk of necrotising fasciitis)
- In severe cases: aciclovir (antiviral) — only as prescribed by doctor
When to See a Doctor
- High fever above 39.5°C not responding to paracetamol
- Blisters become purulent, red-rimmed, warm — bacterial superinfection
- Severe headache, neck stiffness, or light sensitivity (suspicion of encephalitis)
- Breathing difficulty or severe cough — possible varicella pneumonia
- Newborns under 4 weeks: ANY suspicion is an emergency
Age-Specific Notes
Babies under 6 months often still have passive immunity from maternal antibodies (if the mother is immune). Vaccination is recommended from 11 months (1st dose), 2nd dose at 15 months. Newborns can become seriously ill if the mother develops chickenpox shortly before/after birth. Childhood illness yes — but NOT harmless: complications like encephalitis or pneumonia are rare but real.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When can my child return to nursery?
Can chickenpox leave scars?
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This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.