Chicken pox is a highly infectious disease in children and adults caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most patients with chicken pox are under age 10. A vaccine is available to prevent chickenpox. It is administered at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose is given between ages 4 to 6. This disease is spread via direct skin contact, contact with nasal discharge, or by breathing in the virus in the air, notes the North Dakota Department of Health.
Anti-viral Medications
Anti-viral medications are used to treat chicken pox. The drugs impede the growth of the varicella-zoster virus. The anti-virals used include acyclovir (Zoviraz), famciclovir (Famvir), foscarnet (Foscavir), penciclovir (Denavir), and valacyclovir hydrochloride (Valtrex), notes Peace Health. The drugs are taken either by injection, orally, or via skin cream, Typically, to help remedy chicken pox, the drug should be started during the first 24 hours after a rash appears, notes MedlinePlus.
Oatmeal Bath
Taking a bath in warm water containing oatmeal will also remedy the symptoms of chicken pox, such as itchy skin that is oozing pus. Add enough oatmeal to the water so that it will coat and soothe the skin on the entire body. The oatmeal bath can be taken as needed to remedy the skin pain experienced with chickenpox.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is used to cure the body aches, headache, and sore skin that often occur with a chicken pox infection. Talk to a doctor to get information about the time frame for taking ibuprofen. Never take aspirin while experiencing chicken pox; it is linked to development of Reyes Syndrome, notes MedlinePlus.
Oral Antihistamine
An oral antihistamine will limit the itchy skin experienced with chicken pox, notes MedlinePlus. The doctor will provide individual guidelines for dosage and timeframe of using an oral antihistamine.
Trim Fingernails
Trim the fingernails short while experiencing chicken pox. This will help more quickly remedy the disease by preventing any bacterial infections from occurring if the blisters are scratched due to itchiness.
Clean Skin & Avoid Makeup
Also, keep skin clean during a chicken pox infection. Failure to wash skin regularly while the blisters are present can cause infection and delay clearing of the blisters. Also avoid use of any makeup products while a chicken pox infection is active to prevent infections.
