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Chicken pox is a nasty viral infection that most people get in their childhood. The older you get, the worse it can be. Gross fluid-filled lesions associated with intense itching, a high fever, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pains, headaches and swollen glands are the sum of chicken pox. Suffering through this for 9-21 days can be misery. Here are a few tips on how to treat the chicken pox and find some relief.
 | Any over the counter anti-itch lotion can be used
to help relieve the itching. |
Oatmeal Baths
Warm oatmeal baths help to relieve and sooth itching lesions. You can prepare an oatmeal bath by blending 2 cups of dry oatmeal into a powder and mixing it into warm bath water. Baking soda can also help to reduce the itching. In addition to oatmeal, add 1 cup baking soda to the warm bath for extra comfort.
Mittens and short nails
It is very important not to scratch the chicken pox lesions. Scratching causes more itching, and breaks open the lesions and can increase the risk for bacterial infections in the open wound. It also increases the risk of scarring.
Cut your nails short to reduce deep scratches and put gloves on if you have to. Putting gloves or mittens on children is often the only way to reduce intense scratching.
Over-the-Counter Relief
Acetaminophen found in Tylenol and other pain relievers can provide relief for the headaches, fever, fatigue and muscle aches associated with chicken pox. Antihistamines such as Benadryl help to sooth the itching. All of these are easily to find available over the counter at your local drug store and are relatively inexpensive.
Lotions
Any over the counter anti-itch lotion can be used to help relieve the itching. Calamine lotion is often the best choice because it provides natural healing moisture to the skin.
Prescription drugs
The antiviral known as acyclovir is the one prescription drug approved that treats the chicken pox. However letting the virus run its one-time course and focusing on treating symptoms is usually the favored treatment for the chicken pox. Letting your body fight the virus immunizes you from it so you usually do not get it again.
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