Chickenpox

On the first day a rash appears with small red blotches about 3 or 4mm wide. Within a few hours these develop small blisters at the centre. During the next three to four days further spots will appear and the earlier blisters will turn crusty and fall off. Calamine lotion may be applied to help itching. The most infectious period is two or three days before the rash appears and until the last crusts have formed dry centres, usually seven to ten days after the rash started. Children may return to school as soon as the last crusts have dropped off.