In children, chickenpox usually clears up on its own in one to two weeks so the treatments available for it are mostly designed to help lessen the symptoms. These include oral or topical antihistamines and topical sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) solution to control itching. Calamine lotion and oatmeal baths may also help relieve some of the itching.

Fever associated with chickenpox can be treated with Tylenol (acetaminophen). WARNING: Do not use aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or aspirin-containing products to treat fever in children with chickenpox. The use of aspirin in children with chickenpox may cause Reye’s syndrome, a very severe complication that can lead to death.

In people who are at higher risk of developing severe disease, such as children with chronic skin or lung disease or who are immune-compromised or anyone over the age of 12, antiviral treatments such as acyclovir or varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be recommended to shorten the duration of infection and help prevent complications.