Chicken pox is caused by the highly contagious varicella-zoster virus. Spread through inhaling the virus after an infected person has coughed or sneezed, through direct contact with the virus shed from a chicken pox lesion, or through oral secretion, the virus incubates for 10 to 21 days. It causes an itchy rash with fluid filled blisters that can spread over the entire body and can also cause fever and feeling of general malaise.
Antivirals and Vaccines
Controversy exists as to the benefits of taking antiviral medications to reduce the symptoms of chickenpox. University Health Services at the University of California at Berkeley reports that taking antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, within 48 hours of the first appearance of the rash can decrease the symptoms of chicken pox. On the other hand, research of studies conducted on acyclovir conducted by Terry P. Klassen, et al., of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Canada, found that while acyclovir can lessen the number of days with fever in otherwise healthy children with chickenpox, "the results were inconsistent with respect to the number of days to no new lesions, the maximum number of lesions and the relief of itchiness." Varivax is a vaccine that is meant to prevent chickenpox. Also known as "Varicella Virus Vaccine Live," the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that Varivax may not protect every person who has the vaccine and it is not effective once a person is infected.
Diphenhydramine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in such drugs as Benadryl, is an antihistamine, sleep aid and depressant. University Health Services reports that 25 mg of Benadryl, which is available over-the-counter, taken every four to six hours, can help relieve the itchiness of chicken pox, though it can cause drowsiness. Medline Plus cautions that topical diphenhydramine should not be applied to chickenpox.
Topical Treatments
Topical medications can help to control the itch, which can be severe. Aveeno's Calamine & Pramoxine HCl Anti-Itch relies on calamine to dry the weeping sores and natural colloidal oatmeal to sooth skin. Pramoxine HCl is a topical analgesic to stop nerves from sending pain signals. It is also found in Johnson & Johnson's Caladryl Anti-Itch Lotion and in its Caladryl Clear Anti-Itch Lotion. Caladryl Clear Anti-Itch Lotion also contains zinc acetate.
Baths and Compresses
Cool compresses can soothe the itch. Care should be taken, however, not to rub, or break open, the blisters, as this can cause permanent scarring. The Mayo Clinic reports that cool oatmeal baths offer temporary itch relief. Aveeno's Soothing Bath Treatment offers itch relief, although simply adding two cups of well-ground oatmeal directly to bath water can also offer relief. For further relief, add one-half cup of baking soda to the oatmeal bath. As an alternative, adding one-half cup of white or malt vinegar to a cool bath is a long-practiced home remedy for itch relief.
