Self-Care Guidelines
Since the illness resolves on its own after 1–3 weeks, it is most important to keep the child comfortable and to discourage scratching, which can cause infection and scars.
For itching:
- Oatmeal baths in lukewarm water
- Oral antihistamines (diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine)
- Clip the child's fingernails
- Apply calamine lotion
- DO NOT USE lotions containing antihistamines or lidocaine, as they are no more effective than the previous measures and might cause allergic reactions later on.
For pain and fever:
- DO NOT USE aspirin. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen instead.
Because chickenpox is highly contagious, keep the child at home and resting until symptoms are gone and all blisters have dried up. Avoid any contact between your child and pregnant women who have never had chickenpox, newborns, or people who have a weak immune system or eczema. Once all the blisters have dried into scabs, the child is not considered contagious to others.
When to Seek Medical Care
Most chickenpox infections do not require treatment.
If there are adults or teens in the household who have never had chickenpox or people with eczema, asthma, or a weakened immune system, have them contact their doctor, as they may require antiviral medication. This usually needs to be done early (during the first day of the rash).
Call your child's doctor if you suspect the child has chickenpox and:
- The child has eczema, asthma, or a weakened immune system.
- The fever lasts more than 4 days or exceeds 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Any rash areas look red, swollen, and leak pus.
- The child has a severe cough, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, confusion, stiff
neck, trouble looking at bright lights, or difficulty walking or breathing.
Signs and Symptoms
