Describes things that can be done at home to help relieve chickenpox symptoms, as well as treatments that may be prescribed by a doctor. read more
Acyclovir, an antiviral medication, is licensed for treatment of chickenpox. The medication works best if it is given within the first 24 hours after the rash starts. For more information, see Acyclovir Treatment. read more
Chickenpox usually runs its course in 5 to 10 days. But if you have the itchy rash caused by the virus, that can feel like a very long time. Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to ease your symptoms while your body heals itself. read more
Because chickenpox is caused by a virus (varicella), it won't respond to antibiotics, but there is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes outbreaks called Zovirax (acyclovir) that's sometimes helpful for certain people with chickenpox. read more
In otherwise healthy children, chickenpox typically requires no medical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to relieve itching. But for the most part, the disease is allowed to run its course. read more