How is chickenpox treated?

Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 30, 2024
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Chickenpox generally has a good prognosis, and does not leave scars after the scabs fall off. Its treatment mainly includes three aspects:

First, general and symptomatic treatment. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have scabbed over. Rest in bed during the fever period, consume easily digestible food, and ensure adequate hydration. Enhanced nursing care is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching, which could lead to secondary infections.

Second, antiviral treatment. Early use of antiviral medications can be effective. Antiviral treatment within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash can control its progression and speed up recovery.

Third, prevention of complications. Antibacterial drugs should be used in cases of secondary bacterial infections. For patients with encephalitis presenting with cerebral hemorrhage, dehydration treatment should be administered. Corticosteroids should not be used in chickenpox.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
1min 7sec home-news-image

How is chickenpox treated?

Chickenpox generally has a good prognosis, and does not leave scars after the scabs fall off. Its treatment mainly includes three aspects: First, general and symptomatic treatment. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have scabbed over. Rest in bed during the fever period, consume easily digestible food, and ensure adequate hydration. Enhanced nursing care is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching, which could lead to secondary infections. Second, antiviral treatment. Early use of antiviral medications can be effective. Antiviral treatment within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash can control its progression and speed up recovery. Third, prevention of complications. Antibacterial drugs should be used in cases of secondary bacterial infections. For patients with encephalitis presenting with cerebral hemorrhage, dehydration treatment should be administered. Corticosteroids should not be used in chickenpox.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
53sec home-news-image

Precautions for Children with Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, which is more common in children but can also occur in adults. The peak season for this illness is spring. Therefore, after children contract chickenpox, it is crucial to isolate them to prevent contact with other children or the elderly, as it can spread to others quickly. Typically, conventional antiviral medications are sufficient for treatment. If fever occurs, it is advisable to take some fever-reducing medications appropriately. It is also recommended to have a light diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water. Adequate rest is important, and if small blisters appear on the body, avoid scratching them to prevent infection and more severe symptoms. Generally, this disease confers lifelong immunity, meaning there is no recurrence after the initial episode.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
1min 2sec home-news-image

Chickenpox prevention measures

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease, and prevention of the infection mainly involves the following three aspects: First, control the source of infection. Patients with chickenpox are the only source of infection, so they should be isolated until all the chickenpox blisters have crusted over. Second, cut off the transmission route. Avoid close contact with chickenpox patients, prevent airborne droplet transmission, and avoid contact with items contaminated with the chickenpox virus. Third, protect susceptible populations. Chickenpox is highly contagious and generally susceptible in the population. Infants over one year old can be vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine for prevention. Regular exercise, nutritional enhancement, physical strengthening, frequent hand washing, and maintaining ventilation in indoor environments are also advisable.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
1min 6sec home-news-image

Chickenpox Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever presents as a low-grade fever, possibly accompanied by chills, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for one to two days, followed by the appearance of a rash. The rash first appears on the trunk, then on the head and face, and is relatively less common on the limbs. It begins as red maculopapular rash and turns into vesicular rash within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches, and maculopapules, vesicles, and crusts can be seen in the same area. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that can be cured in about ten days. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have crusted over. Early in the course of the disease, antiviral treatment with acyclovir can be used. It is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching the vesicles to prevent infection.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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What should be paid attention to when children have chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease, and when there are no complications, treatment generally focuses on symptomatic relief. During illness, isolation should be maintained to prevent infection and enhance care, such as frequently changing underwear, trimming the child's nails, and wearing gloves to prevent scratching. Keep the air well-ventilated, provide sufficient fluids and easily digestible food. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, antibiotic treatment should be administered. The child should be isolated until all the rash has crusted over.