If there's any doubt about the diagnosis, chickenpox can be confirmed with lab tests, including blood tests or a culture of lesion samples. Show
TreatmentIn otherwise healthy children, chickenpox typically needs no medical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to relieve itching. But for the most part, the disease is allowed to run its course. If you're at high risk of complicationsFor people who are at high risk of complications from chickenpox, doctors sometimes prescribe medications to shorten the length of the infection and to help reduce the risk of complications. If you or your child are at high risk of complications, your doctor may suggest an antiviral drug such as acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig). This medication might lessen the severity of chickenpox when given within 24 hours after the rash first appears. Other antiviral drugs, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir, also may lessen the severity of the disease, but might not be approved or appropriate for everyone. In some instances, your doctor may recommend getting the chickenpox vaccine within three to five days after you've been exposed to the virus. This can prevent the disease or lessen its severity. Treating complicationsIf complications develop, your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment. He or she may prescribe antibiotics for skin infections and pneumonia. Brain inflammation (encephalitis) is usually treated with antiviral drugs. You may need to be hospitalized. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Lifestyle and home remediesTo help ease the symptoms of an uncomplicated case of chickenpox, follow these self-care measures. Avoid scratchingScratching can cause scarring, slow healing and increase the risk that the sores will become infected. If your child can't stop scratching:
Relieve the itch and other symptomsThe chickenpox rash can be very itchy, and broken vesicles sometimes sting. These discomforts, along with fever, headache and fatigue, can make anyone miserable. For relief, try:
If fever lasts longer than four days and is higher than 102, call your doctor. And don't give aspirin to children and teenagers who have chickenpox because it can lead to a serious condition called Reye's syndrome. Talk with your doctor before giving any type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) — to someone who has chickenpox. Some studies suggest this type of medication may lead to skin infections or tissue damage. Preparing for your appointmentCall your family doctor if you or your child has signs and symptoms common to chickenpox. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. Information to gather in advance
Questions to ask your doctor about chickenpox include:
Don't hesitate to ask any other questions. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor may ask:
What you can do in the meantimeRest as much as possible, and avoid contact with others. Chickenpox is highly contagious until skin lesions have fully crusted. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Symptoms & causes May 08, 2021 Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references
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Chickenpox
AdvertisementMayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. What are the nursing interventions for patients with chickenpox?Nursing Management
Treatment approaches include supportive measures, antiviral therapy, administration of varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG), and management of secondary bacterial infection.
What precautions should be taken in hospital for shingles?Place patient in negative airflow rooms. If this is unavailable, place patients in their own room and keep the door closed. Those without immunity to varicella should not enter the room. Only health care workers with adequate immunity to varicella should care for patients with zoster.
What is the treatment for chickenpox and shingles?If you or your child are at high risk of complications, your doctor may suggest an antiviral drug such as acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig). This medication might lessen the severity of chickenpox when given within 24 hours after the rash first appears.
What precautions should be taken in chicken pox?Calamine lotion and a cool bath with added baking soda, uncooked oatmeal, or colloidal oatmeal may help relieve some of the itching. Try to keep fingernails trimmed short and minimize scratching to prevent the virus from spreading to others and to help prevent skin infections.
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