How are the symptoms of chicken pox treated?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done to completely eliminate the symptoms once a child is infected with chicken pox. Therefore, treatment is geared to trying to alleviate the pain, itch, and fever of chicken pox. Fever: Because of the association of Reye’s Syndrome and aspirin use during chicken pox, acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, etc.) should be the only medication used to treat fever during this illness. Be sure and use the cheapest brand of acetaminophen and give the proper dose for the age and weight of your child. A common cause of acetaminophen “not working” is the dose given is the same that was given to the child several months previously. If your child has grown a lot, the proper dose will have changed as well. Itch: There are a number of home remedies that may be tried. One of the more helpful things is to give the child oatmeal baths. The oatmeal can be quite a pain to clean from the tub, but may give your child significant relief.
