HOME TREATMENT
Relief of itching
- Oatmeal baths preparations are helpful.
- Calamine lotion may be placed on the itchy lesions.
- Antihistamines, such as Phenergan may be used.
- Lesions may occur in the mouth, and the key is to make sure fluids are encouraged to avoid dehydration.
- A bland diet (avoid salty foods and citrus) and cold liquids or popsicles are best tolerated.
Fever control
- Never use aspirin with a child with chickenpox, because of the association with Reye's syndrome.
- Reye's syndrome is characterized by a child who is delirious and confused (out of proportion to the fever and despite fever control) and vomiting.
- See fever for guidelines on fever control.
Infected chickenpox (impetigo)
- To prevent infection, keep the child's fingernails cut short and wash hands with an antibacterial soap frequently.
- If you suspect a minor skin infection starting, you may use an over-the-counter antibacterial ointment until you can call during office hours.
- If you see a rapidly spreading skin infection over a few hours, call the office immediately.
- Purplish spots on the skin may indicate a hemorrhagic or bleeding form of chickenpox and the doctor should be contacted immediately or taken to the emergency room.
Chickenpox vaccine
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
