Illness & Symptoms
How long does chickenpox last?
Estimated wait
~7 days
Based on published sources
Timeline guide
- Faster cases~6 days
- Average cases~7 days
- Slower casesUp to 14 days
The contagious window is longer than it looks: it starts 1–2 days before the rash and lasts until every blister has scabbed over, so someone with fading spots can still be infectious.
Chickenpox is an active illness of about 4 to 7 days (CDC), with the spots typically crusting over around 5–7 days after they first appear. Full recovery, until the scabs fall off, usually takes 1 to 2 weeks — the NHS says it "gets better on its own after 1 to 2 weeks".
More details
Adults and people with weakened immune systems often have a longer, more severe course than children.
Last updated: 4 Jul 2026
Information is for general knowledge only.