How many days after getting chickenpox should one avoid bathing?

Generally, there is no fixed number of days that a patient with chickenpox must avoid bathing; the key factor is the condition of the skin rash. Bathing is not recommended during the eruptive stage or before the blisters have crusted over. It is usually necessary to wait until all blisters have dried and formed scabs before bathing, which typically takes 7–10 days, though the exact duration varies from person to person. The details are as follows:

In the early stages of the rash, red spots and papules appear on the skin, which then develop into fluid-filled blisters. At this point, the skin barrier is fragile. The force of water and friction from towels during bathing can easily break the blisters. Contact with contaminated water on broken skin may lead to infection, worsening local redness, swelling, and oozing, and even prolonging the healing process. If itching becomes unbearable during this period, you may gently wipe unaffected areas with a damp towel soaked in lukewarm water, taking care to avoid the blistered regions.

Once all blisters have completely dried, formed scabs, and show no signs of breaking open, short baths with lukewarm water may be attempted. Water temperature should be maintained between 37–40°C. Avoid using irritating cleansers such as soap or shower gel. Gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel—do not rub or scrub the scabbed areas, as this could cause premature shedding of scabs and increase the risk of scarring.

In daily care, maintain clean and dry skin by wearing loose, breathable cotton clothing to minimize skin friction. Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching, and apply anti-itch creams as directed by a physician when experiencing itchiness.