Treatment for Childhood Chickenpox

Chickenpox (varicella-zoster) is a viral infection that infects the body’s lymph nodes for a period of up to fifteen days. Children less than ten years old experience a mild form, but the infection can be severe when older children and adults are affected. Symptoms include fever, weakness, and loss of appetite about two days prior to the appearance of itchy, red blisters all over the body. These blisters tend to multiply in the face, buttocks, arms and legs. Chickenpox is easily spread to other children by coughing, sneezing, or coming in contact with the blister fluid.

Children with chickenpox should not return to school or associate with healthy children until all of the blisters have crusted over. All efforts should be made to keep the child as comfortable as possible. Scratching and rubbing the blisters should be avoided, and nails should be trimmed short. Lukewarm baths with little soap cause less irritation to infected skin. Oatmeal baths (Aveeno) may soothe itchy skin. Over-the-counter products like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydrocortisone cream may help reduce the itching. Products with aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided as it may cause a severe illness. Prescription medications are available for chickenpox, but certain conditions must be met before the prescriber can authorize its use.




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