The complication rate is not reduced. If used, acyclovir needs to be taken for 5 days. The drug has few reported side effects. Which children with chickenpox should receive acyclovir is a controversial topic. Physicians do agree that all children who have immune system defects, are taking steroids, or have a chronic skin or lung disease should receive acyclovir.
Some physicians prescribe acyclovir for adults, college students, and high school students.
Most physicians don't treat normal, healthy children with acyclovir. To prevent the sores from becoming infected with bacteria, trim your child's fingernails short. For young babies who are scratching badly, you may want to cover their hands with cotton socks. Contagiousness and isolation Children with chickenpox are contagious until all the sores have crusted over, usually about 6 to 7 days after the rash begins. To avoid exposing other children, try not to take your child to the physician's office.