Home Treatment
Most healthy children, teens, and adults with
chickenpox (varicella) need only home treatment.
However, all adults with chickenpox need to see a health professional.
If you have chickenpox, you do not need to stay in bed, but you
should stay quiet and rest. You can use nonprescription medications to treat
symptoms such as fever and itching. Check with your child's health professional
before giving the child medication. Because of their small size, children are
more sensitive than adults to the effects of some medications. Children also
absorb medications differently than adults. Use a measuring spoon or medication
cup to give medication to a child; do not guess the amount or use a regular
table spoon.
Reduce itching
The chickenpox rash itches. Scratching the blisters may cause a
skin infection or scars to form after the blisters heal. You can take steps at
home to
control itching from a chickenpox rash, such as taking
oatmeal baths, applying cool compresses, and taking antihistamines by
mouth.
Monitor fever
Fever is your body's normal response to infection. A
higher-than-normal temperature kills bacteria and viruses that cause illness.
Medications that reduce fever stop this natural process, so these medications
should be used only as needed. If a child with chickenpox does not act sick or
complain of symptoms, you may choose not to give medication for fever. Call
your health professional if your child's fever lasts longer than 48 hours. You
can help
reduce a fever by using nonprescription medications
and drinking cool liquids.
Prevent the spread of infection
Chickenpox can spread easily from one person to another. If you
have frequent and close contact with a person infected with chickenpox, such as
a family member, you may be exposed to a large amount of the virus. As a
result, you may develop a more severe illness than the person who spread it.
You also may be at greater risk for complications from the illness, especially
if you have an
impaired immune system. To
prevent the spread of chickenpox, you or your child
should stay home from work or school when ill.
Prevent complications of chickenpox
Most healthy children and adults recover from chickenpox without
complications. See a health professional if you have
any unusual, persistent, or worrisome symptoms.