Researchers have claimed that exposing yourself to the sun's rays can help prevent the spread of chickenpox.

UK researchers have discovered that chickenpox tends to be less common in countries with high UV sun levels and that sunlight may make viruses on the skin inactive, making it harder for chickenpox to be passed on from person-to-person.

Researchers at the University of London examined data from 25 other studies on the varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox and took into account climatic factors in the various countries.

"They said UV rays had not been considered as a factor with chickenpox before, but but the research showed a link between global latitude and the presence of the virus."

The research is published in the journal Virology.