How Is Chickenpox Treated?
• Chickenpox generally lasts about 7 to 10 days. • Your child is contagious even in the period before the rash starts. He or she should not attend school or daycare until the blisters caused by the rash have crusted over. • You can do the following at home to relieve your child’s symptoms: • Give your child over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to treat pain and fever. Do not give aspirin to a child with a fever. This can put your child at risk of a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome. • Give your child OTC antihistamine medication to relieve itching. Calamine lotion can be applied to the affected areas to relieve itching. • Apply calamine lotion to the rash to relieve itching. Before and after each application, wash your hands with warm water and soap. • Give your child an oatmeal bath. This can soothe the skin and relieve itching. (Some oatmeal mixes can leave an oily film in the tub. To prevent falls, make sure to clean the tub well before the ne
