Chickenpox: On the first day a rash appears as small red spots. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these spots. During the next three or four days further spots and blisters will appear and earlier ones will turn 'crusty' and fall off.

Calamine lotion may soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help. The most infectious period is from two or three days before the rash appears and up to five days after the spots stop appearing.

Use a weak solution of salty water to soak the sores clean. This helps to dry the sores and to prevent a second infection setting in.

Children may return to school when all the spots are crusted and there have been no new spots for 5 days.

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