Once a common childhood disease, chicken pox has been largely eradicated due to chickenpox vaccine. However, some children and even adults may still catch the disease. The varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox and the condition remains highly contagious. Most children suffering from chickenpox do not develop serious complications, reports the Cleveland Clinic. However, the virus may cause increased complications in adults, including skin bacterial infections, pneumonia and encephalitis. Once a person catches chicken pox, he is immune from the disease. Still, there is a 1 in 10 chance he will develop a related condition, known as shingles, later in life, reports MayoClinic.com. Chickenpox commonly is treated at home unless a person falls into a high-risk category or complications occur.
High-Risk Patient Medications
Antiviral medications including acyclovir or antibody solutions such as immune globulin for intramuscular administration may be prescribed for high-risk groups suffering from chickenpox. According to Mayoclinic.com, high-risk groups include newborns or infants whose mothers did not have chickenpox or the vaccine, teenagers, adults, pregnant woman and people with decreased immune systems. Patients taking prescription steroids and those suffering from eczema are also at high risk of developing chickenpox complications. The Mayo Clinic states that some doctors may advise a patient to receive the chickenpox vaccine even after developing the condition to decrease the severity of the condition. Aspirin should never be administered to a patient suffering from chicken pox to avoid developing Reye's syndrome. Opt for non-aspirin medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, suggests MedlinePlus.
Scratch Resistant Treatment
Chicken pox often involves scratching. Scratched blisters take longer to heal and increase the risk of infection. Parents may place soft gloves on a child's hands to decrease the risk of scratching and scar formation, especially scratching at night. A small pair of socks may be placed on an infant's hands. Decrease scratches by trimming nails short. Take over-the-counter antihistamine medications to decrease skin irritation, suggests MayoClinic.com. The clinic also advises applying a small amount of calamine lotion to sores.
Skin Care
Taking a warm bath will decrease discomfort when chicken pox is present. Add a small amount of baking soda or uncooked oatmeal to the bathwater to aid in skin relief. The Cleveland Clinic suggests bathing or showering daily. Cool compresses, made from washcloths or paper towels, pressed against the irritated skin may also give relief.
