Chickenpox

Chickenpox is usually mild and can be treated at home. Most people feel better within a week or so.

There's no cure, but the treatments below can help relieve the symptoms while the body fights the infection.

It's also important to take steps to prevent chickenpox spreading , such as staying off work or school until the last blister has dried and crusted over.

Painkillers

If you or your child have a high temperature (fever) and feel uncomfortable, over-the-counterpainkillers can help.

The best painkiller to tryis paracetamol , as it's safe for most people to take including pregnant women and children over two months of age. Special liquid versions are available for young children and babies.

Ibuprofen is an alternative if you can't take paracetamol, although it's not suitable for everyone and shouldn't be given to children with chickenpox. Never give Low dose aspirin to a child under 16 as it can be dangerous for them.

Alwaysread the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine to check if it's suitable and how much to take. Speak to a pharmacist or your GP if you're unsure.

Prevent itching and scratching

Chickenpox can bevery itchy, but it's importantnot to scratch the spots as it can increase the chances of the skin becoming infected with bacteria and could result in scarring .

It can help to:

• keepnails short and clean
• tap or pat the skin instead of scratching it
• wearcotton gloves at night (or socks over hands)
• bathe in cool or lukewarm water dab or pat the skin dry afterwards,rather thanrubbing it
• wear loose, smooth cotton clothing

You can also buy calamine lotion, moisturising creams , cooling gelsor an antihistamine medicine calledchlorpheniramineto help reduce itching and soothe the skin.

Food and drink

It's importantto drink plenty offluids to avoid dehydration .

Water is better than sugary, fizzy or acidic drinks particularly if you or your child has chickenpox spots inthe mouth.

Sugar-free ice lolliesare also a good way of getting fluids into children and can help soothe a sore mouth.

Avoidsharp, hard, salty or spicy foods that may make themouth sore. Soft, cool foods are best, such as soup that has been left to cool down.

If you breastfeed or bottle feed your baby, continue to give them feeds regularly.

Stronger treatments from a doctor

Antiviral medicationor a treatment calledimmunoglobulin may be recommended if you're at risk of developing severe chickenpox.

Those at risk include:

• pregnant women
• adults, especially those who smoke
• newborn babies under four weeks old
• people with a weakened immune system (the body's defence system), such as people with HIV , those taking high doses of steroid medication and thosehaving chemotherapy

Antiviral medication

An antiviral medicine calledaciclovir may be recommended if you're at risk of severe chickenpox and you alreadyhave symptoms.

It ideally needs to bestarted within 24 hours ofthe rash appearing. It doesn't cure chickenpox, but makes the symptoms less severe.

It's normally taken as tabletsfive times a day for seven days.

Immunoglobulin

Immunoglobulin is a treatment given by injection that can helpprevent severe chickenpox if you've been exposed to someone with the infection but don't have any symptoms yet.

It's sometimesgiven to pregnant women, people with a weakened immune system and newborn babies who've been exposed to the chickenpox virus and haven't hadthe infectionbefore.

Antibodies

Antibodies are your body's natural defence against any foreign antigens that enter your blood. An antibody is a protein that is produced by the body to neutralise or destroy disease-carrying organisms and toxins.

Immune system

The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.