Chickenpox: Controlling the Itch

Chickenpox (varicella) is a common contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a type of herpes virus. The first symptoms are typical of other minor infections, such as a fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, headache, and sore throat. The chickenpox rash usually appears 1 or 2 days later.

The chickenpox rash is very itchy and begins with red spots or bumps that change into blisters that are filled with a clear or cloudy liquid and that look like pimples. The blisters eventually break or burst, causing the fluid to leak. As the sores heal, a dry crust forms and protects the skin.

Continue to Why?

The most common complication of chickenpox is a skin infection. When you scratch the blisters that develop from the chickenpox rash, they can become infected from the bacteria on your hands and under your fingernails, especially when the sores break open. If you get a skin infection, you will likely need to see a doctor for a prescription medicine to treat the infection.

Scratching the rash also can cause scars.

Continue to How?

Home treatment methods can help reduce the itchiness of the chickenpox rash. Try the following suggestions to make you or your child more comfortable and keep scratching under control.

Baths

Warm to cool baths can help relieve itching. Take baths for 20 to 30 minutes as often as needed to stay clean and soothe your itchy skin. Always stay with young children when they are in a bathtub.

• Do not use soap, or use only a mild soap. Soaps that are made for sensitive skin or recommended for babies are usually mild.
• You can add soothing ingredients to the bath.
  • Oatmeal baths such as Aveeno and Actibath can be bought in most food and drugstores.
  • You can make your own oatmeal bath by mixing 1 cup (240 mL) of oatmeal with 3 cups (720 mL) cold water and adding it to the bath water.
  • Other ingredients, such as cornstarch [about 2 cups (480 mL) per bath] or baking soda can also be added to the bath to help soothe skin.
• Blot the skin dry after bathing. Don't rub the skin.

Compresses

You can apply cool compresses to itchy areas.

• Use a soft, absorbent cloth, such as a soft washcloth. Wet the cloth with cool water and apply the cool compress directly to the skin.
• You can also make an oatmeal paste and apply it to itchy areas.

Lotions

You can apply soothing lotions that can help dry chickenpox blisters. But talk to your doctor before using lotions that contain antihistamines. You could try lotions with:

• Phenol, menthol, and camphor, such as calamine lotion.
• Oatmeal, such as Aveeno Lotion.

Prevent skin irritation

Some general hygiene practices can help prevent skin irritation and scratching.

• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.
• Change clothes and bedsheets daily.
• Use a mild laundry detergent if clothes or linens seem to be irritating the skin.

Antihistamines

Lotions or creams that contain antihistamines should not be used for chickenpox. But sometimes antihistamines that are taken by mouth will help relieve itching.

• Antihistamines taken by mouth may help prevent you or your child from scratching the rash and blisters, especially during sleep.
• Some antihistamines can be bought over-the-counter. If you use them, carefully follow the directions on the label. Check with your child's doctor before you give them to your child.

Help children avoid scratching and infection

It can be especially challenging to control a child's scratching. Try the following methods to help keep your child from itching the rash or help prevent skin infection that can result from scratching:

• Clean and closely trim the child's fingernails.
• Have a small child wear mittens or clean cotton socks on his or her hands to prevent scratching. Or use light bandages over open blisters.
• Wash the child's hands often.
• Distract the child when you find him or her scratching.

Use caution

Take general precautions to control itching and to prevent additional problems.

• Avoid getting hot and sweating, because these trigger itching. Stay out of sunlight. A child can play outside in the shade.
• Avoid using antihistamine lotions. You may accidentally apply too much medicine, which can be harmful. Ingredients to avoid include:
  • Diphenhydramine.
  • Lidocaine.
  • Pramoxine.

Continue to Where?

Talk with your doctor

Call your doctor right away if you or your child has a severe headache or constant vomiting, sensitivity to bright light, unusual sleepiness or confusion, trouble breathing, or coughing that won't go away. Call your doctor if you notice signs of skin infection, such as a continued high fever, increasingly reddening or swollen skin, bigger open sores, or unusual discharge or smell from chickenpox sores.

If you are older than age 12 and have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, call your doctor if you have been in contact with someone who has chickenpox. This is especially important for pregnant women and for people with impaired immune systems, no matter what age they are.