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Understanding Chickenpox
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
Treatment
What Are the Treatments?
Chickenpox is extremely contagious. Keep your child home until most of the vesicles are dry and scabs have fallen off.
Most cases of chickenpox require little or no treatment beyond treating the symptoms.
The prescription drug Zovirax (acyclovir) is very effective for shortening the duration of chickenpox symptoms. It is somewhat controversial as to when to use the drug. Most experts agree that these medications should be used for children with chickenpox infections that involve the lungs and/or brain. For less severe infections, some doctors recommend use of these medications while others don't.
In addition, your doctor or your child's pediatrician may prescribe an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to relieve pain, itching, and swelling. Antibiotics are called for if a secondary bacterial skin infection arises or if the person with chickenpox contracts bacterial pneumonia.
At-Home Remedies
- Trim your child's fingernails or cover her hands with socks or mittens to keep her from scratching, which could lead to infection as well as to possible scarring.
- To ease itching, add a handful of oatmeal or baking soda to bathwater. Apply cool, wet towels to the skin and allow them to dry.
- Dab calamine or witch hazel on the lesions to relieve itching. Do not use lotions with Benadryl unless directed to do so by your doctor because these may sensitize your child to antihistamines.
- Leave your baby's diaper off as much as possible to allow the vesicles to dry out and scab.
- Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use as a gargle to ease mouth sores, or rinse with a combination of warm water and hydrogen peroxide.
- Give Tylenol for fever; no aspirin should be given to children.
- Keep sores clean by washing daily.
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
