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Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Topic Overview
-
Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Treatment for chickenpox (varicella) depends on a person's age, health, and severity of the illness.
- Healthy children with chickenpox may need only home treatment. This includes taking acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to reduce fever and discomfort. Follow the package instructions carefully. If you give medicine to your baby, follow your doctor’s advice about what amount to give. (Do not give aspirin to people younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome.)
- Over-the counter oral antihistamines may help reduce itching. But check with your child's doctor before giving them to your child. Oatmeal baths and soothing lotions that don't contain antihistamines may also help. Examples of lotions to use include calamine lotion or Aveeno.
- Healthy teens and adults with chickenpox usually have more severe symptoms than children and are at higher risk for complications than children. Still, most need only home treatment. All teens and adults with chickenpox should call the doctor. Some may need hospital care.
- Pregnant women and people with immune system problems are also at increased risk for complications. They should call the doctor right away if they suspect they have chickenpox.
Getting a shot of chickenpox antibodies may help delay or prevent a person from having chickenpox. And sometimes antiviral medicines are given to shorten the length of the illness.
If you have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox
vaccine and you think you've been exposed to the virus, you may be able to get
the
chickenpox vaccine 
(What is a PDF document?). This may prevent you from having the illness or make the
illness milder. It is recommended that the vaccine be given within 3 days after
exposure to chickenpox. If you can't get the shot within 3 days, getting it up
to 120 hours (5 days) after exposure may still help.2
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 30, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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