What should you know about chickenpox medicine?

Chickenpox causes an itchy rash that changes from spots to fluid-filled blisters and then scabs. An oral antihistamine may reduce itching for some people. A clinician may consider an antiviral medicine when complications are more likely or illness is severe; it is not suitable for everyone and should not be started from someone else’s prescription.

Rest, fluids, gentle skin care, and keeping fingernails short can reduce scratching and skin damage. Fever medicines should be selected with advice appropriate to the person’s age and health. Avoid applying products that irritate open blisters.

Arrange a GP Consultation if the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms are worsening, or the person has a condition or medicine that affects immunity. Ask whether Antiviral Treatment or Antihistamine Treatment is appropriate. Keep the rash clean, wear loose clothing, and avoid close contact with people who could be vulnerable to infection until a clinician confirms it is safe.

Do not scratch blisters or share towels, bedding, or personal items. Check the skin daily for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge, which can signal a secondary infection.

Seek prompt medical advice for breathing difficulty, unusual drowsiness, confusion, repeated vomiting, dehydration, severe headache, or a rapidly worsening rash. Redness, pain, warmth, swelling, or pus around blisters also needs assessment. Get urgent help for eye pain or vision change rather than treating the eye at home.

Ask which medicine is suitable for the person’s age and other medicines, whether an antiviral could help, how to manage itching at night, and when the person can return to school or work. You can also ask whether Chickenpox Vaccination is relevant for unprotected household contacts.