Last Updated on Tuesday, 06 July 2010 09:10 Written by Kristie McNealy M.D.

Chicken Pox Treatment

Most patients with chicken pox will recover completely without treatment. However, the following may help in relieving associated symptoms:

Early symptoms like fever and body ache may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, doses for children being determined by body weight. Aspirin should be completely avoided. Medical studies have demonstrated that children suffering from a viral illness like chicken pox when treated with aspirin may develop the potentially fatal condition known as Reye's syndrome.

Consult your GP or pharmacist if you are unclear about the medication that may be given to your child or during pregnancy.

Fluid replacement is important to prevent dehydration. Sugar-free ice-lollies may be used in children over the age of four. These help to lower temperature and soothe the mouth. Avoid hot and salty foods that may make your mouth sore.

Over the counter treatments like antihistamines may be used for the relief of severe itching. Some of these cause drowsiness and may help the patient sleep at night. Calamine lotion is commonly used for local application to reduce itching. Frequent baths may also help ease itching. Finely ground oatmeal or baking soda may be added to the bath water to soothe the skin.

Tepid sponging should be avoided in patients with chicken pox.

General hygiene measures will contribute to easing symptoms. Loose, smooth cotton clothing is advisable if the skin is itchy and sore. Keep your child's fingernails clean and trimmed short to prevent deep scratching, as this increases the risk of secondary bacterial infection. Young children may need to have their hands covered with mittens/socks at night to prevent scratching during sleep.

Treatment with Acyclovir:

Acyclovir is an anti-viral drug that may be used to treat chickenpox. In uncomplicated cases Acyclovir taken 5 times a day has been shown to shorten the course of the disease if started within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of the rash. Oral Acyclovir is more strongly recommended in the high- risk group, as in children with underlying skin disease such as eczema, newborns, adults, and smokers. The drug is administered intravenously in people with compromised immune systems.

Treatment of complications:

Appropriate treatment for complicated cases will be decided by your doctor, generally in a hospital setting. Pneumonia and skin infections may be treated with antibiotics. Encephalitis is usually managed with antiviral drugs.

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Pages Related to Chicken Pox

• Overview of Chicken Pox
• Chicken Pox Symptoms
• Chicken Pox Treatments
• Complications of Chicken Pox
• Chicken Pox Prevention

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