Treatment for Chickenpox

You can obtain chickenpox treatment either 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 option. 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.

How Is Chickenpox Treated?

In most cases, chickenpox can be treated at home. Home treatment involves relieving symptoms of chickenpox as the body fights the virus. It is important to regularly look at the skin and 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, a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Some of these more serious symptoms include:
 

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 a chickenpox treatment 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. The use of aspirin has been associated with the development of Reye syndrome -- a severe disease affecting all organs, but most seriously affecting the liver and brain, that may cause death.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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