Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsChickenpox TimelineColloidal Oatmeal BathsBaking SodaCalamine LotionChamomile Tea CompressOral AntihistaminesTylenol for Pain ReliefFingernail CareCold, Soft, and Bland Food for Mouth SoresPrescription Chickenpox TreatmentsNext in Chickenpox GuidePreventing Chickenpox
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Chickenpox Timeline
Colloidal Oatmeal Baths
Baking Soda
Calamine Lotion
Chamomile Tea Compress
Oral Antihistamines
Tylenol for Pain Relief
Fingernail Care
Cold, Soft, and Bland Food for Mouth Sores
Prescription Chickenpox Treatments
Next in Chickenpox Guide
To manage the symptoms of chickenpox during this time, you can use simple remedies that relieve itching and pain from mouth or body sores. Sometimes, these treatments may not be enough, and you’ll need to talk with your doctor about other options.
This article covers self-care treatments and ways to ease chicken pox symptoms. It also explains what to avoid and what to do for more severe or complicated cases.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
How Long Does Chickenpox Last?
The active stage of chickenpox lesions lasts about four to seven days. However, anyone who contracts it is considered contagious—able to transmit the virus to others—from a period of one to two days before its characteristic rash appears until its lesions crust over. Generally, this amounts to a period of one to two weeks.
Chickenpox is uncomfortable, and several treatment options exist.
Finely ground (colloidal) oatmealcontains several compounds that relieve irritation, inflammation, and itching from chickenpox (and other skin problems). You can buy colloidal oatmeal bath products at your drugstore, supermarket, big-box store, or online. These products typically come in pre-measured packets that you add to bath water.
For ruptured blisters that are oozing fluid, soaking them in lukewarm bath water mixed withbaking sodacan help dry them out and relieve itching. You can add two ounces (60 mL) of baking soda per tub. Aim to do this two or three times a day. If you are drawing a bath for a young child, supervise them at all times.
Alternatively, baking soda paste is also effective in reducing itching. Mix baking soda and water to make a paste and apply it to the affected areas.
Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter (OTC) product containing either zinc oxide or zinc carbonate, ingredients commonly used to treat diaper rash andcontact dermatitis. It’s an effective itch-reliever when dabbed directly on the affected area and allowed to dry.
Calamine used to come only as a pink lotion. It is now also available in clear forms.
Calamine lotioncomes in different strengths, so it’s important to closely read and follow any directions on the bottle. Take care not to get calamine lotion in your eyes, and don’t apply it to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, genitals, or anus.
An oral antihistamine may help with itching. Avoid topic antihistamines as these can cause an allergic reaction.
A common antihistamine isBenedryl (diphenhydramine). However, Benadryl can cause sleepiness as a side effect. For daytime relief, consider Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), or Allegra (fexofenadine) to relieve itching without the sedating effects.
Ellen Lindner / Verywell
Chickenpox typically causes viral symptoms such as a headache, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, in addition to the itchiness and inflammation of the rash. Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help relieve many of these symptoms.
If you have a young child with chickenpox, ensure thedose of acetaminophenis appropriate for the child’s age and weight. Ranges for some age groups are on the packaging. However, check in with your healthcare provider for the most accurate dosing.
Risks of Aspirin and Ibuprofen
Do not give aspirin (or any medication that contains aspirin) to a child under 16. Aspirin is associated with a condition calledReye’s syndromein kids. This illness affects the liver and brain and can be life-threatening.
Also, avoid ibuprofen for pain relief with chickenpox. While uncommon, it can cause a life-threatening bacterial skin infection.
Scratching a chickenpox rash can cause the blisters to open, leaving the skin vulnerable to secondary infections and permanent scarring. Reducing the ability to scratch and ensuring nails aren’t sharp can help reduce skin damage.
A small child with chickenpox may not have the self-control to keep their hands off their rash. Keep their fingernails trimmed and their hands very clean. Adults, of course, can also benefit from this method.
You can also try wearing cotton mittens or socks on your hands at night to reduce scratching while you or your child sleeps.
Sometimes, chickenpox can cause painful sores in the mouth, making it hard to eat or drink. Foods that are cold, soft, and bland can help minimize pain.Chickenpox can also causestomach upset, and a bland diet is often better tolerated.
Popsicles
Popsicles are a good option, especially for little kids withpainful mouth sores. Popsicles can help provide fluids and prevent dehydration in kids who don’t want to drink due to mouth sores.
Consider non-acidic flavors of popsicles to relieve pain (e.g., avoid orange or lemon-flavored varieties). For a healthier option, consider sucking on plain ice chips. You can also select popsicles that have no added sugar or are sugar-free.
Soft and Bland Food
Acidic, salty, and hard foods can all irritate mouth sores. Instead, opt for soft,bland food. Examples include bananas, noodles, and yogurt.
For most people, simple home care measures and over-the-counter medications are sufficient. However, prescription medications are available if needed.
Anti-Virals
Some individuals are at a higher risk of complications from chickenpox and may require antiviral medications to limit the virus. Patients who may requireantiviral medicationinclude those who are:
Antivirals are effective in at-risk populations. However, they should be started within 24 hours of symptom onset. Antivirals have little to no effect on non-immunocompromised individuals.
Acicloviris one of the prescribed antivirals for chickenpox. A common brand name is Zovirax. Dosing and duration depend on age.
Antibiotics
Since chickenpox is a virus,antibioticswon’t help. However, if the sores become infected from scratching, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.
Chicken Pox Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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VARIZIG
Certain people who are at risk of becoming seriously ill from chickenpox are sometimes advised to receive the injection VARIZIG (varicella zoster immune globulin). VARIZIG is most effective if given within 96 hours after symptoms start. It is approved for the following groups:
VARIZIG provides antibodies to chickenpox to help your body fight the virus.
Summary
Chickenpox can usually be treated at home with care measures such as colloidal oatmeal baths and calamine lotion. If natural methods aren’t working, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and antihistamines may help reduce symptoms.
However, a healthcare provider may recommend antiviral medication or the injection Varizig to at-risk individuals. If you or a loved one catches chickenpox and you have treatment questions, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Preventing Chickenpox
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox.Seattle Children’s.Chickenpox.Puri V, Nagpal M, Singh I, et al.A comprehensive review on nutraceuticals: therapy support and formulation challenges.Nutrients.2022;14(21):4637.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for a child with chickenpox.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat chickenpox.Nemours KidsHealth.Chickenpox (varicella).Health Service Executive.Chickenpox (varicella zoster) antiviral prescribing.Varizig®.Varizig®.Additional ReadingNationwide Children’s Hospital.Chickenpox.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox.Seattle Children’s.Chickenpox.Puri V, Nagpal M, Singh I, et al.A comprehensive review on nutraceuticals: therapy support and formulation challenges.Nutrients.2022;14(21):4637.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for a child with chickenpox.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat chickenpox.Nemours KidsHealth.Chickenpox (varicella).Health Service Executive.Chickenpox (varicella zoster) antiviral prescribing.Varizig®.Varizig®.Additional ReadingNationwide Children’s Hospital.Chickenpox.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox.Seattle Children’s.Chickenpox.Puri V, Nagpal M, Singh I, et al.A comprehensive review on nutraceuticals: therapy support and formulation challenges.Nutrients.2022;14(21):4637.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for a child with chickenpox.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat chickenpox.Nemours KidsHealth.Chickenpox (varicella).Health Service Executive.Chickenpox (varicella zoster) antiviral prescribing.Varizig®.Varizig®.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox.
Seattle Children’s.Chickenpox.
Puri V, Nagpal M, Singh I, et al.A comprehensive review on nutraceuticals: therapy support and formulation challenges.Nutrients.2022;14(21):4637.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for a child with chickenpox.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat chickenpox.
Nemours KidsHealth.Chickenpox (varicella).
Health Service Executive.Chickenpox (varicella zoster) antiviral prescribing.
Varizig®.Varizig®.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Chickenpox.
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