Chickenpox usually runs its course in 5 to 10 days. But if you have the itchy rash caused by the virus, that can feel like a very long time. Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to ease your symptoms while your body heals itself. If
you or your child has a high fever or achiness caused by chickenpox, reach for the Tylenol. It can even help relieve pain associated with sores that develop on your skin or in your mouth. It’s safe for most people, including pregnant women and children over
2 months old. Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers, like ibuprofen. If you have chickenpox, it can make you very ill. Never give aspirin to children under age 16. It can lead to a serious complication called Reye’s syndrome. Yes, it’s tempting. But scratching
your rash can put you at risk for a bacterial skin infection. It could also cause scarring. Try these tips to calm your itchy skin: Heat and sweat make you itch more. Use a cool, wet washcloth on
super-itchy areas to calm your skin. Drink lots of fluids to help your body rid itself of the virus faster. It’ll also keep you from getting dehydrated. Choose water over sugary drinks or sodas, especially if you or your child has chickenpox in the mouth. Sugar-free popsicles are a good choice, too. Avoid hard, spicy, or salty foods that can make your mouth sore. Prescription MedicationsIf you’ve been exposed to someone who has chickenpox but doesn’t have symptoms yet, your doctor may give you an injection of a treatment called immunoglobulin. It can help prevent severe chickenpox. Your doctor may consider this therapy if you’re:
Newborn babies under 4 weeks old are also at increased risk for complications from chickenpox. If you’re at risk for severe chickenpox and already have symptoms, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication called acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax). It can help to make your symptoms less severe. You’ll take the first dose within 24 hours of developing the rash. Then you’ll take a tablet 5 times a day for 7 days. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: Content disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
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