“How long should my son stay home with the chicken pox?”
My son has the chicken pox, and I have him at home until it goes away. Approximately when should I send him back to school?
6 Answers
Seven days after ALL lesions are crusted.
He may return after about 7 days, or when all the lesions are scabbed over.
Usually 1 week after the initial breakout and all new lesions are scabbed over and no fever.
When all the lesions are dried, usually a week or so.
Chickenpox is contagious from two days before the illness manifests up until 5-6 days after it starts. When no new vesicles are appearing and all skin lesions are crusted, it is safe to go back to school and other activities.
In general the patient should stay home until the lesions are pretty well dried up which is anywhere from 7 to 10 days. One should look at his Immunization history to be sure he is up-to-date on his basic shots
