Treatment for Chickenpox

General Measures

Medication

Activity

Notify Our Office If

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·	Diagnosis is usually determined by the appearance of skin erruptions and laboratory tests are not necessary.
·	Treatment is directed toward relieving symptoms.
·	Use cool-water soaks or cool-water compresses to reduce itching.
·	Keep the patient as quiet and cool as possible. Heat and sweat trigger itching.
·	Keep nails short to discourage scratching, which can lead to secondary infection.

·	The following non-prescription medicines may decrease itching: Topical anesthetics and topical antihistamines, which provide quick, short-term relief. Preparations containing lidocaine and pramoxine are least likely to cause allergic skin reactions. Lotions that contain phenol, menthol and camphor (such as calamine lotion). Follow package instructions.
·	If you must reduce a fever, use acetaminophen. Never use asprin as it may contribute to the development of Reye's syndrome (a form of encephalitis) when given to children during a viral illness.
·	Acyclovir (brand name Zovirax), an antiviral medication may be prescribed.

·	Bed rest is not necessary. Allow quiet activity in a cool environment. A child may play outdoors in the shade during nice weather.
·	Keep an ill child away from others, away from school, until all blisters have crusted and there are no new ones.
·	No special diet is necessary.

·	You or your child have symptoms of chickpox.
·	Lethargy, headache or sensitivity to bright light develop.
·	Fever rises over 101°F (38.3°C).
·	Chickenpox lesions contain pus or otherwise appear infected.
·	A cough occurs during a chickenpox infection.