What to Do If You Get Chickenpox
What to Do If You Get Chickenpox
What's This About?
Chickenpox treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Knowing what to do if you or a loved one catches chickenpox can make a big difference.
Contents
- Symptom Relief
- When to See a Doctor
- Antiviral Medications
Symptom Relief
Common treatments include calamine lotion for itching and acetaminophen for fever. It's important to avoid scratching to prevent skin infections.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or if the rash spreads to the eyes. Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Antiviral Medications
Doctors may prescribe antiviral medications for people at risk of severe illness. These can help reduce the severity and duration of chickenpox.
FAQs
Can chickenpox be treated at home?
Yes, symptom relief measures can be done at home.
When should you see a doctor?
If severe symptoms occur or in high-risk groups.
What do antivirals do?
They reduce the severity and duration of chickenpox.
Is it okay to scratch chickenpox blisters?
No, scratching can lead to skin infections.
Wrapping Up
Knowing how to manage chickenpox can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
Additional References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Varicella. In: Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. The Pink Book: Course Textbook, 14th ed.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Varicella outbreaks among Mexican adults--Alabama, 2000. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2000; 49:735.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.