Can I wash my face when I have chickenpox?

In general, it is okay to wash your face when you have chickenpox, but you need to be especially careful.

Maintaining clean skin is important when you have chickenpox, so face washing is necessary. However, be sure to use warm water and avoid hot or excessively cold water. Hot water may irritate the chickenpox lesions, causing increased itching, pain, or even rupture of the blisters; excessively cold water may also trigger a skin stress response. Choose a mild, non-irritating facial cleanser specifically designed for sensitive skin, or simply use plain water. Avoid using products containing alcohol, fragrances, or other irritating ingredients, as well as facial cleansers or other cleansers that may cause facial allergies, to prevent skin irritation and worsening of chickenpox symptoms.

When washing your face, be gentle and avoid rubbing or scrubbing forcefully to prevent rupture of the blisters. If a chickenpox blister is accidentally broken, the discharge may spread the virus to other areas, and the broken blister is more susceptible to secondary bacterial infection, which could lead to complications such as scarring. After washing, gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel—avoid rubbing back and forth. Alternatively, you may allow the water to air dry or gently dab your face with a soft towel.

If there are many chickenpox rashes on the face and they are in an ulcerated state, under a doctor's guidance, you may apply some topical medications with anti-infective properties and that promote wound healing before washing your face.