Treatment for Chickenpox

Treatment for chickenpox can either be administered at home or through a healthcare professional. For mild cases, home treatment -- which includes close monitoring of skin blisters and checking for fever -- is usually the most common form of treatment. However, during more serious cases (in which high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea occur), it is important to consult with a doctor to prevent further complications of chickenpox.

 

An Introduction to Treatment for Chickenpox

In most cases, chickenpox can be treated at home. Home treatment involves relieving chickenpox symptoms as the body fights the chickenpox virus. It is important to regularly look at the skin and to make sure that the blisters are not becoming infected. It is also important to monitor other symptoms, such as fever.
 
If a person experiences more serious symptoms of chickenpox, a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Some of these more serious chickenpox symptoms include:
 
  • High fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dehydration
  • Worsening of asthma.
     

Home Treatment for Chickenpox

Scratching the chickenpox blisters may cause them to become infected. Therefore, keep fingernails trimmed short. Calamine lotion and Aveeno® (oatmeal) baths may also be used as treatment for chickenpox to help relieve some of the itching.
 
Use non-aspirin medications such as acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol®) to relieve your child's fever. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products to relieve your child's fever. The use of aspirin has been associated with development of Reye syndrome (a severe disease affecting all organs [but most seriously affecting the liver and brain] that may cause death).
 
(Treatment for Chickenpox Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD