Chickenpox | Prevention and Treatment | Varicella | CDC Español: Prevención y tratamiento Prevention The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Children, adolescents, and adults should get two doses of chickenpox vaccine. Chickenpox vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing the disease. Most people who get the vaccine will not get chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, it is usually mild—with fewer red spots or blisters and mild or no fever. The chickenpox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe disease. For more information about chickenpox vaccine, see Vaccination . For people exposed to chickenpox, call a health care provider if the person has never had chickenpox disease and is not vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine is pregnant has a weakened immune system caused by disease or medication; for example, People with HIV/AIDS or cancer Patients who have had transplants, and People on chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medications, or long-term use of steroids Treatments at Home for People with Chickenpox There are several things that can be done at home to help relieve the symptoms and prevent skin infections.

Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths may help relieve some of the itching. Keeping fingernails trimmed short may help prevent skin infections caused by scratching blisters. Over-the-counter Medications Use non-aspirin medications, such as acetaminophen, to relieve fever from chickenpox. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products to relieve fever from chickenpox. The use of aspirin in children with chickenpox has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a severe disease that affects the liver and brain and can cause death. When to Call the Health Care Provider Some people are more likely to have a serious case of chickenpox.

Call a health care provider if the person at risk of serious complications: is less than 1 year-old is older than 12 years of age has a weakened immune system is pregnant, or develops any of the following symptoms: fever that lasts longer than 4 days fever that rises above 102°F (38.9°C) any areas of the rash or any part of the body becomes very red, warm, or tender, or begins leaking pus (thick, discolored fluid), since these symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection extreme illness difficult waking up or confused demeanor difficulty walking rash with bleeding or bruising (hemorrhagic rash) Treatments Prescribed by Your Doctor for People with Chickenpox Your health care provider can advise you on treatment options. Antiviral medications are recommended for people with chickenpox who are more likely to develop serious disease including otherwise healthy people older than 12 years of age people with chronic skin or lung disease people receiving steroid therapy pregnant women Acyclovir, an antiviral medication, is licensed for treatment of chickenpox. The medication works best if it is given within the first 24 hours after the rash starts. For more information, see Acyclovir Treatment .

Other antiviral medications that may also work against chickenpox include valacyclovir and famciclovir. The Best Creams and Treatments for Chicken Pox The Best Creams and Treatments for Chicken Pox Search the site The Best Creams and Treatments for Chicken Pox Oatmeal Baths and Tylenol Make this List By Heather Brannon, MD Updated July 12, 2016 Because chicken pox is usually a benign self-limited disease, treatments and creams are typically aimed at treating symptoms and making the patient more comfortable. In some cases, the antiviral medication acyclovir may be used to treat chicken pox. Learn about other antiviral drugs that help and the variety of ways to get relief from chicken pox with the tips that follow. Acetaminophen Can Treat Symptoms Patients with chicken pox typically have viral-type, prodromal symptoms such as headache, fever, fatigue and muscle aches. These symptoms can make the other signs of the disease, such as itching, feel even worse. Luckily, the viral symptoms associated with chicken pox can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol), with doses determined by the weight of the patient.

Children should never be given aspirin or medications containing aspirin for chicken pox or any other viral illness because of the risk of Reye's syndrome . Baths Are Calming Frequent baths are sometimes helpful to relieve itching. Adding finely ground (colloidal) oatmeal such as Aveeno can help improve itching. Oatmeal baths can be prepared at home also by grinding or blending dry oatmeal into a fine powder and adding about two cups to the bath water. One-half to one cup of baking soda may also be added to bath water to reduce itching. Lotions Can Provide Relief The most common lotion used for chicken pox is Calamine lotion. This or any similar over-the-counter preparation can be applied to the blisters to help dry them out and soothe the skin. Why You Should Consider Antihistamines Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines may be used to control severe itching. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is available over-the-counter and hydroxyzine (Atarax) is available by prescription. Both of these antihistamines cause drowsiness and may be helpful at night to help the patient sleep.

Other antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin), certrizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) can be used to control itching but do not cause drowsiness. How to Prevent Scratching Scratching increases the risk of secondary bacterial infections. All patients with chicken pox should have their nails trimmed short. In addition, small children may have to wear mittens to reduce scratching. Why Acyclovir Helps Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an anti-viral drug that may be used to treat chicken pox. In uncomplicated cases, acyclovir taken five times a day has been shown to cause shorter periods of new lesion formation, fewer lesions and more rapid healing. But this typically happens only if the drug is started within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of the rash. Acyclovir has not been shown to decrease the rate of complications in otherwise healthy children who get chicken pox . Oral acyclovir is more strongly recommended for children with underlying skin disease such as eczema , newborns, adults and smokers, since this group is at greater risk for complications.

IV acyclovir is used for people with compromised immune systems. Other Anti-Viral Drugs Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Varizig (Cangene) are examples of FDA-approved treatments for chicken pox. However, the antiviral medications valacyclovir (Valtrex), used to treat herpes simplex virus infections, have been shown to be effective for chicken pox and are often prescribed. Continue Reading Chickenpox - Treatment - NHS Choices Chickenpox Prevention Chickenpox is usually mild and can be treated at home. Most people feel better within a week or so. There's no cure, but the treatments below can help relieve the symptoms while the body fights the infection. It's also important to take steps to prevent chickenpox spreading , such as staying off work or school until the last blister has dried and crusted over. Painkillers If you or your child have a high temperature (fever) and feel uncomfortable, over-the-counter painkillers can help. The best painkiller to try is paracetamol , as it's safe for most people to take – including pregnant women and children over two months of age. Special liquid versions are available for young children and babies.

Ibuprofen is an alternative if you can't take paracetamol, although it's not suitable for everyone and shouldn't be given to children with chickenpox. Never give aspirin to a child under 16 as it can be dangerous for them. Always read the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine to check if it's suitable and how much to take. Speak to a pharmacist or your GP if you're unsure. Prevent itching and scratching Chickenpox can be very itchy, but it's important not to scratch the spots as it can increase the chances of the skin becoming infected with bacteria and could result in scarring . It can help to: keep nails short and clean tap or pat the skin instead of scratching it wear cotton gloves at night (or socks over hands) bathe in cool or lukewarm water – dab or pat the skin dry afterwards, rather than rubbing it wear loose, smooth cotton clothing You can also buy calamine lotion, moisturising creams , cooling gels or an antihistamine medicine called chlorpheniramine to help reduce itching and soothe the skin. Food and drink It's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration .

Water is better than sugary, fizzy or acidic drinks – particularly if you or your child has chickenpox spots in the mouth. Sugar-free ice lollies are also a good way of getting fluids into children and can help soothe a sore mouth. Avoid sharp, hard, salty or spicy foods that may make the mouth sore. Soft, cool foods are best, such as soup that has been left to cool down. If you breastfeed or bottle feed your baby, continue to give them feeds regularly. Stronger treatments from a doctor Antiviral medication or a treatment called immunoglobulin may be recommended if you're at risk of developing severe chickenpox. Those at risk include: adults, especially those who smoke newborn babies under four weeks old people with a weakened immune system (the body's defence system), such as people with HIV , those taking high doses of steroid medication and those having chemotherapy Antiviral medication An antiviral medicine called aciclovir may be recommended if you're at risk of severe chickenpox and you already have symptoms. It ideally needs to be started within 24 hours of the rash appearing. It doesn't cure chickenpox, but makes the symptoms less severe.

It's normally taken as tablets five times a day for seven days. Immunoglobulin Immunoglobulin is a treatment given by injection that can help prevent severe chickenpox if you've been exposed to someone with the infection but don't have any symptoms yet. It's sometimes given to pregnant women, people with a weakened immune system and newborn babies who've been exposed to the chickenpox virus and haven't had the infection before. Page last reviewed: 18/10/2016 Chickenpox Symptoms. Treatment for Chickenpox. | Patient Chickenpox contact and pregnancy What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most children have chickenpox at some stage. Most commonly, children get chickenpox before the age of 10. The immune system makes proteins called antibodies during the infection. These fight the virus and then provide lifelong protection against it (immunity). Therefore, it is uncommon to have more than one bout of chickenpox in your lifetime. Chickenpox symptoms High temperature (fever), aches and headache often start a day or so before a rash appears. Spots (rash). Spots appear in crops.

They develop into small blisters and are itchy. They can be anywhere on the body. Several crops may develop over several days. Some children may be covered in spots; others have only a few or even none. The rash starts off looking like red spots, which then blister, and then scab over. Loss of appetite or feeding problems. Some children feel quite unwell for a few days. Others appear only mildly ill. Most are much better within a week. The blisters dry up and scab. They gradually fade, but may take up to two weeks to go completely. What are the possible complications? The spots do not usually scar unless they are badly scratched. Some spots become infected with germs (bacteria) in some cases. This is the most common complication in children. If this occurs, the surrounding skin becomes red and sore. Antibiotics in the form of creams or medicine may then be needed. Pains or headaches which become worse despite paracetamol. Being unable to take fluids, due to a severe rash in the mouth. A severe rash, or a rash which bruises or bleeds into the skin (haemorrhagic rash). Becoming generally more and more unwell.

Shingles Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and is a very delayed complication of chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past may develop shingles. Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin supplied by the nerve. It causes a rash and pain in a local band-like area along the affected nerve. About 1 in 5 people have shingles at some time in their lives. It can occur at any age, but it is most common in people over the age of 50. The reason why shingles may occur is because the virus does not completely go after you have chickenpox. Some virus particles remain inactive in the nerve roots next to your spinal cord. They do no harm there, and cause no symptoms. For reasons that are not clear, the virus may begin to multiply again (reactivate). This is often years later. The reactivated virus travels along the nerve to the skin to cause shingles. See separate leaflet called Shingles (Herpes Zoster) for details. Note: you can catch chickenpox from being exposed to a person with shingles if you have not had chickenpox yourself.

However, you cannot catch shingles from a person with chickenpox, or catch shingles from a person with shingles. What is the treatment for chickenpox? For most children Treatment is mainly aimed at easing symptoms and trying to make your child as comfortable as possible whilst the immune system deals with the virus: Advice on dealing with a high temperature (fever) is detailed below. A soothing cream (emollient) may help the itch. Calamine lotion is the one most used, although it is not known how effective it is. A sedating antihistamine (in a tablet or liquid medicine) may help with sleep if itch is a problem. This can be used in children over 1 year old. Give a dose at bedtime. You can buy these at pharmacies or get them on prescription. Chlorphenamine (Piriton®) is the one most used. Keep fingernails cut short to stop deep scratching. Dress children comfortably so they are not cold or overheated. Use cool smooth fabrics such as cotton. Dealing with a fever. A fever commonly occurs with chickenpox, and may make your child feel uncomfortable and irritable.

The following are things that you can do that may bring the temperature down and make your child feel more comfortable: You can give paracetamol to lower a temperature. You can buy paracetamol in liquid form, or melt-in-the-mouth tablets, for children. It comes in various brand names. The dose for each age is given with the medicine packet. Note: paracetamol does not treat the cause of the fever. It merely helps to ease discomfort. It also eases headaches, and aches and pains. You do not need to use paracetamol if your child is comfortable and not distressed by the fever, aches or pains. Note: ibuprofen has been used with paracetamol in the past. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that ibuprofen is no longer used for chickenpox. Take extra layers of clothes off your child if the room is normal room temperature. It is wrong to wrap up a feverish child. The aim is to prevent overheating or shivering. Give lots to drink. This helps to prevent a lack of fluid in the body (dehydration).

You might find that a child is more willing to have a good drink if they are not so irritable. So, if they are not keen to drink, it may help to give some paracetamol first. Then, try the child with drinks half an hour or so later when his/her temperature is likely to have come down. Do not cold-sponge a child who has a fever. This used to be popular, but it is now not advised. This is because the blood vessels under the skin become narrower (constrict) if the water is too cold. This reduces heat loss and can trap heat in deeper parts of the body. The child may then get worse. Many children also find cold-sponging uncomfortable. Some people use a fan to cool a child. Again, this may not be a good idea if the fanned air is too cold. However, a gentle flow of air in a room which is room temperature may be helpful. Perhaps just open the window or use a fan on the other side of the room to keep the air circulating. For special at-risk groups Some children have a higher risk of developing complications from chickenpox.

In addition to the above treatments, they may need extra treatment such as aciclovir (an antiviral medicine) or vaccination. If your child has not already had chickenpox and is in one in the following groups, you should see a doctor urgently if they have contact with chickenpox, or have symptoms of it: Children (babies) less than 1 month old. Children with a poor immune system. For example, children with leukaemia, immune diseases or HIV/AIDS. Children taking certain medication such as steroids, immune-suppressing medication or chemotherapy. Children with severe heart or lung disease. Children with severe skin conditions. Antiviral medication is also used for adults and teenagers who develop chickenpox, as they too have a higher risk of complications. However, antiviral medication is not normally advised for healthy children aged over 1 month and under 12 years who develop chickenpox. Read more blog posts Is chickenpox infectious? A person with chickenpox is very infectious. The virus spreads in the air from person to person.

For example, if you have not already had chickenpox, you stand a good chance of catching it if: You are in the same room as someone with chickenpox for more than 15 minutes; or You have any face-to-face contact with someone with chickenpox, such as a conversation. Nine in ten people who have not had chickenpox would catch it after being exposed in this way. It takes between 7 and 21 days (most commonly 10-14 days) to develop symptoms after catching the virus (the incubation period). Protecting others A person with chickenpox is infectious from two days before the spots first appear until they have all crusted over (commonly about five days after onset of the rash). A child with chickenpox should stay off school or nursery for five days from the onset of the rash. Also, whilst infectious, they should keep away from at-risk people who may develop a severe illness if they get chickenpox. These include: Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox in the past. Chickenpox can be severe and cause complications during pregnancy. People with a poorly functioning immune system.

For example, people with leukaemia , with HIV/AIDS , on steroid medication , or who are having chemotherapy . The at-risk children listed earlier. Healthy adults who have not had chickenpox may also want to avoid catching it, as the illness tends to be worse in adults. Note: people with chickenpox should not travel by air until all the spots have crusted over. More related content Are you a healthcare worker? Healthcare workers come into contact with people with poor immune systems, pregnant women and newborn babies. They should be aware that if they catch chickenpox, they can be infectious for two days before a rash or illness appears, and be a risk to patients. So, if you are a healthcare worker and come into contact with someone who has chickenpox (or who develops it within the next two days), then: If you have been immunised against chickenpox, or have definitely had chickenpox in the past, you are likely to be immune. You should continue working, but contact your occupational health department if you feel unwell or develop a rash. If you are uncertain about whether you have had chickenpox or been immunised, you should have a test to see if you are immune.

If you are not immune you should: Avoid contact with high-risk patients for 8-21 days after the contact. Report to occupational health before patient contact if you feel unwell or develop a high temperature (fever) or rash. Get immunised against the chickenpox virus (the varicella-zoster virus). Is there a vaccine against chickenpox? Yes, there is a vaccine that protects against the virus that causes chickenpox. It is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme in certain countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia. Currently, there are no plans to make immunisation against chickenpox routine for children in the UK. In the UK, the vaccine is offered by the NHS to certain groups. For example, healthcare workers who are not immune to chickenpox. Also, to people who are not immune to chickenpox and who are in close contact with people with a poor immune system. For example, brothers and sisters of children on chemotherapy. Should I let my child catch chickenpox? Some parents encourage their children to mix with others who have chickenpox in order to catch it. Related Wellbeing Some arguments for this Chickenpox is usually a milder illness in a child than in an adult.

The risk of serious complications is higher in adults. In particular, chickenpox during pregnancy can cause serious complications to both mother and baby. Most people get chickenpox at some stage. As the risks are fewer if you have it as a child, it may be better to get it over with. Some arguments against this "I could not willingly let my child develop an illness." Although rare, some children do have serious complications. Different parents have different views on this issue. And remember, children who develop chickenpox spots (the rash) today will have been just as infectious over the previous two days when they were well, but were incubating the virus. Also note: if someone in the family or home is temporarily at high risk of complications (listed earlier - pregnant women, etc) then it is best to put off deliberately catching it. 5 Ways to soothe chicken pox in children 5 Ways to soothe chicken pox in children Dec 01, 2011 Remedies for varicella virus symptoms Share Tumble Combined comments & shares on social media When your little one catches a case of the chicken pox, soothing the itching, aches and pains are at the top of your mommy to-do list.

So, how do you ease your youngster's suffering while the virus, formally known as varicella, runs its course? From over-the-counter remedies to at home soothing soaks, discover five ways to sooth chicken pox in children. Quell aches and pains with acetaminophen The chicken pox virus typically comes with viral-type symptoms like headache, fever, fatigue and muscle aches. When your children are suffering through these discomforts, acetaminophen can be given according to the dosage information on the bottle. Soothe varicella with soaks Warm baths blended with 2 cups ground oatmeal such as Aveeno Oatmeal Bath or home-ground oatmeal can help reduce itching in children with chicken pox. Adding one half to one cup of baking soda to a warm bath may also put a halt to itching. However, when you don't have either on hand, frequent warm baths are sometimes helpful as an alternative. Get the scoop on another common childhood virus: Coxsackie virus >> Dry up chicken pox with lotion Calamine lotion is the most common lotion used to soothe itching due to chicken pox, applied directly to blisters to help them dry out and to give the skin relief.

"My strategy was to give them a bottle of Caladryl and an artist's brush and let them paint their 'polka dots,'" shares Elisabeth Morrissey, author of It's Not All About You! and former nanny. "Then they'd get to play dot-to-dot and draw pictures with the spots." Treat itching from the inside with medication Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl can be given to children to lessen severe itching. Due to its drowsiness-inducing nature, it is best given at night. Claratin or Zyrtec may also help diminish severe itching from blisters and do not cause drowsiness. You may also discuss anti-viral medications such as Zovirax with your doctor, which may shorten the course of the virus. Chickenpox - myDr.com.au Chickenpox Chickenpox Chickenpox Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease, which mostly affects children. It is generally a mild disease, which does not last long in healthy children, but may cause serious illness or death in people who have lowered immunity. Adults who develop chickenpox generally become unwell and chickenpox in adults may have more serious complications such as pneumonia .

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The same virus also causes herpes zoster ( shingles ). This virus is present in large numbers in and behind the nose, and is spread from child to child by sneezing and coughing. It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for the symptoms to appear after infection with the virus. Symptoms of chickenpox Initially, the child (or adult) may have flu-like symptoms, including a fever , headache, backache and loss of appetite. This is quickly followed by a red and spotty rash, which soon develops into blisters. The rash normally starts on the chest and back and then spreads to other parts of the body including the face, scalp, arms and legs. The rash is usually very itchy. After a day or 2 the blisters form a crust or a scab and this peels off in 5 to 20 days. Some children develop only a few spots and others have them all over their bodies — including their vagina, mouth and up their nose. Treatment of chickenpox For some children, the rash may be no more than a passing inconvenience, but for others it can be very unpleasant. Treatment is therefore aimed at controlling the symptoms.

Asking your child not to scratch will probably fall on deaf ears, however it is worth trying to distract them as much as you can. Cut their fingernails very short and make sure that their hands and fingernails are kept clean. If the rash or sores are very itchy, bathe the child in a warm (but not too hot) bath with half a cup of baking soda. Your pharmacist or doctor will also be able to recommend some anti-itch preparations if your child is distressed. Calamine lotion can also be useful. Paracetamol (but not aspirin) should be given as directed to reduce the fever and ease headaches. Ask your child to drink plenty of fluids. Don't worry if they don't eat as much as usual while they are sick — this will be fine for a day or 2. As chickenpox is caused by a virus, no antibiotics will be prescribed, however, they may be offered if your child develops a bacterial infection as a result of having chickenpox. Antiviral medicine can be used to treat people with complicated or severe chickenpox, or those with lowered immunity. Preventing infection Vaccines for the prevention of chickenpox are available in Australia.

Chickenpox vaccine is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for all children at 18 months as part of the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule . An additional dose may be given to children under 14 years to increase protection, but this second dose is currently not funded on the Schedule. Vaccination is also recommended for adolescents aged 14 years and over and adults who have not had chickenpox or who have not had the chickenpox vaccine previously. Two doses of vaccine are required in adolescents and adults for adequate protection. When can my child go back to school? People often ask "When can my child go back to school or child-care?" Chickenpox is most infectious from 2 days before the rash is present until after scabs have formed on the blisters — this takes about 7 days. Do not send your child to school or pre-school during this time. Your child can return to school, preschool or day care 7 days after the first spots appear, as long as all of the blisters have scabbed over. For children who have not really been sick with chickenpox this can be a bit annoying.

Remember, however, for some children and adults, chickenpox can be a very serious illness. Last Reviewed: 12 December 2012 Your Doctor. Dr Michael Jones, Medical Editor. References 1. Varicella (chicken pox) (revised June 2010). In: eTG complete. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2012 Nov. (accessed Feb 2013). 2. Royal ChildrenÃ¢â¬â¢s Hospital Melbourne. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Chickenpox (varicella). # (accessed Feb 2013). 3. National Health and Medical Research Council. The Australian Immunisation Handbook, 9th Edition, 2008. Chapter 3.24 Varicella. (accessed Feb 2013) Home Treatments For Chicken Pox Home Treatments For Chicken Pox By Matthew Cenzon. May 7th 2016 Coming down with the chicken pox is one of the worst experiences a person can go through. For children, it's a week of uncomfortable itching and unsightly boils all over their body.

For teens and adults, it's a more severe infection that usually requires antiviral drugs to reduce the risk of complications. What is Chicken Pox? Chicken pox is a very contagious illness that typically occurs during a person's childhood, from 4 to 10 years of age. Those infected will find themselves covered with hundreds of red, itchy blisters, filled with fluid that can burst and become crusted. Here are some things you should know about the chicken pox: It is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). The illness is highly contagious, requiring the infected person to stay at home during the duration of the contagious period, which typically lasts from four to five days. Chicken pox is an airborne disease that is commonly spread through coughing, sneezing or having direct contact with fluids that secrete from the blisters. Has the appearance of a severe rash that can appear almost anywhere on the body. Children usually develop up to 500 of the itchy, red blisters all over their skin. It commonly starts from the head, face and scalp, and spreads from there.

Chicken Pox on an Adult Chicken Pox on a Child Chicken Pox Symptoms Stomach ache Loss of appetite After the first couple of days after the rash has appeared, the blisters will start to get cloudy, then harden and begin to scab. More groups of the rash will continue to form. Those infected do not need to worry about scarring unless they scratch at the scabs, which can cause infection. Home Treatments Chicken pox will resolve on its own after several weeks, with no real cure available for the condition. Home treatments are recommended to prevent further complications, and to help the ailment subside as smoothly as possible. Personal hygiene: Personal hygiene is very important for a person who is afflicted by chicken pox. Good hygiene can help to prevent infections, especially in areas where dirt can get trapped like on the hair. Shampoo hair daily with a mild shampoo and take baths in lukewarm water. No scratching: Constant scratching is one of the easiest ways to make the chicken pox condition even worse; it can lead to infection and scarring. People who come down with the chicken pox should make sure their nails are always clipped, and should even were gloves as a precautionary measure.

When drying the infected person's body after a bath, remember to pat them down, don't rub. Lotions and creams: Itch-relieving lotions and skin creams are the most common treatments used to help someone get through the chicken pox. Calamine lotion can be applied to the skin to help relieve itching. A physician can also prescribe an antihistamine to help with the itching. Topical lotions and antiviral medications, like acyclovir, are also available for use on the infected person. Stay cool: Heat and sweat can induce discomfort and exacerbate the itching caused by the chicken pox. Try keeping the infected person in a cool area, and use cool, wet compresses to help relieve itching. Herbal remedies: There are numerous herbal remedies that have been shown to be quite useful on someone infected with the chicken pox, whether they are ingested, like in a cup of tea, or applied on the skin through a herbal bath. Oatmeal baths have been known to be quite effective for relieving the itching. St. John's Wort and Burdock can also be added to a lukewarm bath, or they can be ingested with tea.

Rest: The most important home treatment for chicken pox is getting plenty of rest at home; the body is more than capable of fighting off the illness by itself. Things to Avoid Oily, spicy or acidic food. Anything that might affect the infected person's skin or might make eating difficult if the chicken pox is around the mouth area. For example, you want to avoid any spicy foods that can make your body hot, causing you to sweat. Aspirin, which can cause complications and secondary infections in some people. If you use calamine lotion to relieve itchy areas, avoid using it around the face, especially near the person's eyes. Special Cases Pregnant women are at high risk for severe complications if they become infected by the chicken pox. Should this ever occur, seek medical attention immediately. While most people develop several hundred red spots throughout their bodies, those with skin problems, like eczema, can get up to 1,000 or more pox. It is possible for adults who have already experienced the chicken pox to become infected with another ailment caused by VZV known as shingles. Similar to chicken pox, shingles is a painful skin rash that blisters, typically on one side of the body.

There is no definitive explanation as to why the disease becomes active again after a person has already been infected by the chicken pox. Treatments for the shingles are similar to chicken pox, and your physician can prescribe antivirals to help fight the virus. More in category Understanding Chickenpox -- Treatment Understanding Chickenpox -- Treatment Home Remedies for Chickenpox What Are the Treatments for Chickenpox? Chickenpox is extremely contagious. Keep your child home until all of the blisters are dry and scabs have fallen off. Most cases of chickenpox require little or no treatment beyond treating the symptoms. The prescription drug Zovirax ( acyclovir ) is helpful in shortening the duration of chickenpox symptoms if given within a day of their appearance. Most experts agree that this drug and those like it should be used for children with chickenpox infections that involve the lungs and/or brain . For less severe infections, some doctors recommend use of these drugs while others don't. Varizig is an FDA-approved drug for children and adults with weakened immune systems, newborns, pregnant women, premature infants, children less than a year old, and adults with no immunity to the chickenpox virus.

Varzig is given in two or more injections, depending on the weight of the recipient, within 96 hours after exposure. In addition, your doctor or pediatrician may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine , such as Benadryl or Zyrtec , to relieve pain, itching , and swelling. Antibiotics are called for if a secondary bacterial skin infection arises or if the person with chickenpox contracts bacterial pneumonia . Home Remedies for Chickenpox Trim your child's fingernails or cover her hands with socks or mittens to keep her from scratching, which could lead to infection as well as to possible scarring. To ease itching , add a handful of oatmeal or baking soda to bath water. Apply cool, wet towels to the skin and allow them to dry. Dab calamine lotion, any other perfume-free lotion, on the lesions to relieve itching. Leave your baby's diaper off as much as possible to allow the vesicles to dry out and scab. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use as a gargle to ease mouth sores, or rinse with a combination of warm water and hydrogen peroxide .

In older children, Chloraseptic lozenges or sprays contain a mild anesthetic. Give Tylenol for fever; no aspirin should be given to children with chickenpox. Keep sores clean by washing daily. Apply lotion afterwards. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Roy Benaroch, MD on March 01, 2015 Sources Chickenpox Chickenpox Varicela About Chickenpox Chickenpox used to be a common childhood illness in the United States, especially in kids under age 12. It's much rarer now, thanks to the varicella vaccine that's given when kids are between 12 and 15 months old, followed by a booster shot at 4 to 6 years of age. Caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), chickenpox is very contagious. Kids who do get it might have an itchy rash of spots all over the body and flu-like symptoms. An infected child should stay home and rest until the rash is gone. Kids can be protected by getting the vaccine, which greatly reduces their chances of getting chickenpox.

And vaccinated kids who do get chickenpox tend to have milder cases and quicker recoveries compared with those who get it and weren't immunized. Symptoms Chickenpox often starts with a fever, headache, sore throat, or stomachache. These symptoms may last for a few days, with the fever in the 101°-102°F (38.3°-38.8°C) range. Chickenpox causes a red, itchy skin rash that usually appears first on the abdomen or back and face, and then spreads to almost everywhere else on the body, including the scalp, mouth, arms, legs, and genitals. The rash begins as multiple small red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites, usually less than a quarter of an inch wide. They appear in crops over 2 to 4 days and develop into thin-walled blisters filled with fluid. The blister walls break, leaving open sores, which finally crust over to become dry, brown scabs. The rash is very itchy, and cool baths or calamine lotion may help to manage the itching.

A hallmark of chickenpox is that all stages (red bumps, blisters, and scabs) can appear on the body at the same time. The rash may be more extensive or severe in kids who have skin disorders like eczema or weak immune systems. Young kids tend to have a mild illness with fewer blisters than older children or adults. In rare cases, serious bacterial infections involving the skin, lungs, bones, joints, and the brain can happen. continue Risk of Shingles Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing a skin condition called shingles (herpes zoster) later in life. After someone has had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (sleeping) in the nervous system for the rest of his or her life, even though the chickenpox goes away. The virus can reactivate ("wake up") later as shingles. Symptoms include tingling, itching, or pain in one area of the body, followed by a rash with red bumps and blisters. Luckily, kids and teens almost always have mild cases; severe shingles cases usually affect older people. Kids who are vaccinated against chickenpox are much less likely to develop shingles when they get older.

If it does happen, the case of shingles is usually milder and less likely to cause complications than in someone who wasn't immunized. Contagiousness The chickenpox virus spreads both through the air (by coughing and sneezing) and by direct contact with mucus, saliva (spit), or fluid from the blisters. Chickenpox is contagious from about 2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters are crusted over. A child with chickenpox should be kept out of school until all blisters have dried, usually about 1 week. If you're unsure about whether your child is ready to return to school, ask your doctor. Chickenpox is very contagious — most kids with a sibling who's been infected also will get it (if they haven't already had the disease or the vaccine), showing symptoms about 2 weeks after the first child does. To help keep it from spreading, make sure your kids wash their hands often, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. People who haven't had chickenpox or the vaccine also can catch it from someone with shingles, but they cannot catch shingles itself.

That's because shingles can only develop from a reactivation of VZV in someone who has previously had chickenpox. previous continue High-Risk Groups Certain groups of people are more at risk for complications from chickenpox, including pregnant women and anyone with immune system problems. These groups should avoid anyone who has chickenpox. If a pregnant woman who hasn't had chickenpox in the past develops it (especially in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy), the fetus is at risk for birth defects and the mother is at risk for more health complications than if she'd been infected when she wasn't pregnant. If she develops chickenpox just before or after the child is born, the newborn is at risk for serious health complications. There is no risk to a developing baby if the mother develops shingles during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman has had chickenpox before the pregnancy, the baby will be protected from infection for the first few months of life, since the mother's immunity gets passed on to the baby through the placenta and breast milk.

Those at risk for severe disease or serious complications — such as newborns whose mothers had chickenpox at the time of delivery, patients with leukemia or immune deficiencies, and kids receiving drugs that suppress the immune system — may be given a medicine after exposure to chickenpox to reduce its severity. Prevention The chickenpox vaccine is 99% effective at preventing the VZV infection in kids. Doctors recommend that kids receive the chickenpox vaccine twice: a first injection when they're 12 to 15 months old a booster shot when they're 4 to 6 years old People 13 years of age and older who have never had chickenpox or haven't gotten the vaccine should receive two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart to be protected. While few people who've been vaccinated actually develop chickenpox, those who do tend to develop very mild cases of the condition and recover quickly. Healthy kids who have had chickenpox do not need the vaccine — they usually have lifelong protection against the illness. Treatment Since a virus causes chickenpox, doctors won't prescribe antibiotics to treat it. However, antibiotics may be required if the sores become infected by bacteria.

This is pretty common among kids because they often scratch and pick at the blisters. An antiviral medicine might be prescribed for people with chickenpox who are at risk for complications. The decision to use this will depend on a child's age and health, the extent of the infection, and the timing of the treatment. Your doctor can tell you if the medicine is right for your child. Dealing With Discomfort To help relieve the itchiness, fever, and discomfort of chickenpox: Use cool wet compresses or give baths in cool or lukewarm water every 3 to 4 hours for the first few days. Oatmeal bath products, available at supermarkets and drugstores, can help to relieve itching. (Baths do not spread the rash.) Pat (don't rub) the body dry. Put calamine lotion on itchy areas (but don't use it on the face, especially near the eyes). Serve foods that are cold, soft, and bland because chickenpox in the mouth can make drinking or eating difficult. Avoid feeding your child anything highly acidic or especially salty, like orange juice or pretzels. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about pain-relieving creams to apply to sores in the genital area.

Give your child acetaminophen regularly to help relieve pain if your child has mouth blisters. Ask the doctor about using over-the-counter medicine for itching. Never use aspirin to reduce pain or fever in kids with chickenpox because aspirin has been associated with a rare but serious disease, Reye syndrome , which can lead to liver failure and even death. As much as possible, discourage kids from scratching. This can be difficult for them, so consider putting mittens or socks on your child's hands to prevent scratching during sleep. Also, trim fingernails and keep them clean to help lessen the effects of scratching, including broken blisters and infection. Most chickenpox infections don't need special medical treatment. But sometimes, there are problems. Call the doctor if your child: has fever that lasts for more than 4 days or rises above 102°F (38.8°C) has a severe cough or trouble breathing has an area of rash that leaks pus (thick, yellowish fluid) or becomes red, warm, swollen, or sore has a severe headache is unusually drowsy or has trouble waking up has trouble looking at bright lights has difficulty walking

Question: In medicine which lotion is traditionally used to alleviate the symptoms of chicken pox?
Answer: Calamine lotion