How to treat chickenpox at home

Chickenpox can usually be treated at home.

You or your child will probably feel pretty miserable and uncomfortable, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms.

The following can help:

• use paracetamol to relieve fever and discomfort – don't use anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, as they can sometimes make people with chickenpox very ill
• use calamine lotion, moisturising cream or cooling gels to ease itching
• tap or pat the skin rather than scratching it – it's important to avoid scratching because this can lead to further problems
• drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
You should also take steps to stop chickenpox spreading, such as staying away from school or work until the last blister has scabbed over.

When to get medical advice

Chickenpox is normally mild and gets better on its own. But some people can become more seriously ill and need to see a doctor.
It's a good idea to contact your GP or NHS 111 
for advice if:
• you're not sure if you or your child has chickenpox
• your baby is less than four weeks old and has chickenpox
• you develop chickenpox as an adult
• the symptoms haven't started to improve after six days
• you've been in contact with someone who has chickenpox (or you have symptoms) and you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system
• you or your child has signs of chickenpox complications, such as swollen and painful skin, difficulty breathing or dehydration
• Also consider getting advice if you're originally from a country near the equator (the tropics) and you've been in close contact with someone who has chickenpox.
  Chickenpox is much more common in adults from these areas and you may need treatment to help stop you becoming seriously ill.