Acyclovir is used to treat complicated or more severe cases of varicella. It is not routinely used to treat mild to moderate cases in healthy children. Home care suggestions are designed to treat the symptoms. Aspirin should be avoided in a person with chickenpox because of a link between aspirin, chickenpox, and a serious infection called Reyes syndrome . It may help to have several baths a day for the first few days of the rash.
Scratching can cause secondary infection of the scabs.
Acyclovir can sometimes cause damage to the kidneys, or kidney toxicity. Most people recover without serious long-term effects. But the virus remains and may reactivate at any time to cause shingles . Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. If VZV symptoms such as shingles redevelop, a person should contact his or her healthcare provider.