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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.

Posibles Causas

  • 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

Qué Puedes Hacer

  • 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

¿Cuándo Consultar al Médico?

  • 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

Notas Según la Edad

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.

Preguntas Frecuentes

Can my child take ibuprofen with chickenpox?
NO! Ibuprofen should NOT be given during chickenpox. There is evidence of increased risk for severe skin and soft tissue infections (necrotising fasciitis). Paracetamol is the safe alternative for reducing fever with chickenpox.
When can my child return to nursery?
Your child can return when ALL blisters have crusted over — this usually takes 5-7 days after the last new blisters appeared. The crusts are no longer contagious. Some nurseries require a medical certificate.
Can chickenpox leave scars?
Yes, especially if blisters are scratched open and become bacterially infected. Therefore: keep nails short, mittens for babies, and treat itching consistently. Deep scars (pockmarks) mainly develop with superinfections.

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Este artículo es solo informativo. No reemplaza el asesoramiento médico individual. Si tienes preocupaciones, contacta a tu pediatra, matrona o llama a urgencias.