Chickenpox: Controlling the Itch

How can you reduce itching?

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.
• Add a handful of oatmeal (ground to a powder) to your bath. Or you can try an oatmeal bath product, such as Aveeno.
• 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. Take some oatmeal that's been ground to a powder, and mix it with a little bit of warm water to make a paste. Spread the paste on a paper towel. Put the paste side of the towel against the itchy area of skin. Hold it there for 10 to 15 minutes. Then gently wash and pat the skin dry.

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.