Chickenpox (Varicella) - Treatment Overview

Treatment Overview

Treatment for chickenpox (varicella) depends on a person's age, health, and severity of the illness.

• Healthy children with chickenpox may need only home treatment. This includes taking acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to reduce fever and discomfort and taking nonprescription oral medications or using lotions to reduce itching. (Do not give aspirin to people younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome). Oatmeal baths also can relieve itching.
• Healthy teens and adults with chickenpox usually have more severe symptoms than children and are at higher risk for complications than children. Still, most need only home treatment. All adults with chickenpox should be seen by a health professional; some may need hospital care.
• Pregnant women and people with immune system problems are also at increased risk for complications. They should see a health professional immediately if they suspect they have chickenpox.

Medical treatment may include a shot of chickenpox antibodies to delay or prevent a person from having chickenpox, and also may include antiviral medication to shorten the length of the disease. The chickenpox (varicella-zoster) vaccine(What is a PDF document?) also can be given if you have been exposed to chickenpox; this treatment may prevent you from having the illness. It is recommended that the vaccine be given within 3 days after exposure to chickenpox.