If you suspect your child has chickenpox, it is a good idea to see the doctor and confirm the diagnosis. The doctor can provide you with ways to treat the symptoms and help prevent complications and also give you guidelines on how long to keep your child out of school. If any of the following complications occur, you should tell your doctor right away:

• The rash spreads to one or both eyes.
• Any areas of the rash get very red, warm, or tender, which can indicate a possible secondary bacterial skin infection.
• Your child has a fever higher than 102 degrees, or that lasts longer than four days.
• Your child exhibits dizziness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, severe cough, tremors, loss of muscle coordination, vomiting, a stiff neck, or confusion. These may be signs of pneumonia or encephalitis.

You should also be sure to seek medical care if your child has a chronic disease or if you or your child are older than 12 when contracting chickenpox.