How to Treat Chicken Pox
Chicken pox is a viral infection that causes a blister-like rash on your skin; you can even get pox inside your mouth and under your eyelids. Young children will generally have milder symptoms than adults.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Children's Nail Clippers
- Infant/children's Mittens/gloves
- Old Nylon Stockings
- Oatmeal
- Aveeno
- Acetaminophen
- Calamine Lotions
- Cold Compresses
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-
1
Place cool, wet compresses on the rash to relieve the itching and burning.
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2
Use calamine lotion to soothe the itching.
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3
Take a bath in oatmeal, which is very soothing to the skin. A commercial oatmeal bath such as Aveeno will not clog your drain. If you use regular oatmeal, put it inside a nylon stocking and hold it under the running bathwater.
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4
Trim a young child's or baby's fingernails so she doesn't scratch the rash.
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5
Consider putting mitts on a baby's hands.
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6
Use acetaminophen to reduce fever, aches and pains.
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7
Eat soft foods and avoid acidic juices if there are pox inside your mouth.
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8
Stick to a nutritious diet to boost the immune system.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Chicken pox is considered contagious until all the pox are crusted over. It usually runs its course within two weeks.
Keep infected children away from frail elderly people, newborn infants and pregnant women.
Contact your health care provider if you contract chicken pox as an adult.
Contact your provider if you or your child have pox in your eyes and are in pain; if there is pain in your joints; or if the sores appear to be infected.
Avoid aspirin in children under 18 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
