Chicken pox

Diagnosis

Typically, healthcare providers diagnose chickenpox by observing the characteristic rash. However, confirmation can also be achieved through lab tests like blood tests or studying tissue samples from the affected skin.

Treatment

When healthy kids get chickenpox, they usually don’t need medicine. Sometimes, they can take things like antihistamines to stop itching. But mostly, the sickness just goes away on its own.
Home Treatment: You can help your child when they have an itchy rash by doing these things:

• Use a cool, damp cloth on the rash.
• Make sure your child stays cool.
• Remind them not to scratch. Cut their nails so they can’t scratch too much.
• Put special lotion for itching from the store on the rash. You can ask the pharmacist for help if you’re not sure what to get.
• Give your child medicine you can buy without a prescription.
• Give your child a cool bath or shower every day. You can also use an oatmeal bath. When you dry them, don’t rub with the towel—just pat them dry.

High Risk of Complications: For those at a higher risk of chickenpox complications, doctors might prescribe medicines to shorten the illness and reduce complications. If you or your child are at risk, your doctor might recommend antiviral drugs like acyclovir to fight the virus and ease symptoms, best given within 24 hours of the rash’s start. Other antivirals like valacyclovir and famciclovir can also make the illness milder, but they’re not suitable for everyone. Sometimes, your doctor might suggest the chickenpox vaccine after exposure to prevent or reduce severity.

Treating Complications: If you or your child experiences complications due to chickenpox, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment. If the skin becomes infected or if there’s pneumonia, antibiotics can help. If the brain swells up (a condition called encephalitis), special antiviral medicine might be used. Sometimes, hospitalization is necessary. It’s important to avoid giving aspirin to children, as it can be detrimental when they have fevers. In lieu of aspirin, consider using acetaminophen as a pain reliever for the child. If unsure about the appropriate choice, consulting a healthcare provider or pharmacist is recommended.