What is the treatment for chickenpox?

For most children Treatment is mainly aimed at easing symptoms whilst the immune system deals with the virus. * Give plenty to drink to avoid dehydration. * Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease fever, headaches, and aches and pains. * Calamine lotion put on the spots may ease itching. * Antihistamine tablets or liquid medicine for children over one year old may help with sleep if itch is a problem. Give a dose at bedtime. You can buy these at pharmacies or get them on prescription. Keep fingernails cut short to stop deep scratching.

For special "at risk" groups

Some children have a higher risk of developing complications from chickenpox. In addition to the above treatments, they may need extra treatment such as aciclovir (an antiviral medicine) or immunoglobulin. If your child has not already had chickenpox and is in one in the following groups, you should see a doctor urgently if they have contact with chickenpox, or have symptoms of it:

* Children (babies) less than one month old.
* Children with a poor immune system. For example, children with leukaemia, immune diseases or HIV/AIDS.
* Children taking certain medication such as steroids, immune suppressing medication or chemotherapy.
* Children with severe heart or lung disease.
* Children with severe skin conditions.

Antiviral medication is also used for adults and teenagers who develop chickenpox as they too have a higher risk of complications. However, antiviral medication is not normally advised for healthy children over one month and under 12 years who develop chickenpox.