Chicken Poxes

Dear Ask The Doctor: When you have the chicken poxs they some time blister what happens if they pop or you acsadently pop one is it dangres or dose it just scar like when scraching

Dear Lauren: I understand your worry about Chickenpox blistering. The chickenpox rash occurs in three stages. First, there are raised pink or red bumps (papules). These bumps will turn into fluid-filled blisters (vesicles). And, finally, the vesicles will crust over and scab. Its possible that all three of these stages may occur at once.Surely the blisters could leave a tiny scar especially in the face when scratched or if they accidentally pop. On the other hand a possibility of infection of the wound could also be present. I would suggest you not to scratch your vesicles; it can cause scarring, slow down the healing process and increase the risk that the sores will become infected. To prevent itching and consequently scratching, you might want to take over the counter Antihistamines such as Loratadine or Cetirizine. Also Cool showers could help with the itch as well as applying Calamine lotion. I wish you a prompt recovery.