In most cases, it is enough to keep children comfortable while their own bodies fight the illness. Oatmeal baths in lukewarm water provide a crusty, comforting coating on the skin. An oral antihistamine can help to ease the itching, as can topical lotions such as Calamine. Trim the fingernails short to reduce secondary infections and scarring.

Safe antiviral medicines have been developed. To be effective, they usually must be started within the first 24 hours of the rash. For most otherwise healthy children, the benefits of these medicines may not outweigh the costs.

However, for those with skin conditions (such as eczema or recent sunburn), lung conditions (such as asthma), or those who have recently taken steroids, the antiviral medicines may be very important. The same is true for adolescents and children who must take aspirin on an ongoing basis.

Some doctors also give antiviral medicines to people in the same household who subsequently come down with chickenpox. Because of their increased exposure, they would normally experience a more severe case of chickenpox.

DO NOT USE ASPIRIN for someone who may have chickenpox.

• Women who acquire chickenpox during pregnancy are at risk for congenital infection of the fetus.
• Newborns are at risk for severe infection, if they are exposed and their mothers are not immune.
• A secondary infection of the blisters may occur.
• Encephalitis is a serious, but rare complication.
• Reye's syndrome, pneumonia, myocarditis, and transient arthritis are other possible complications of chickenpox
• Cerebellar ataxia may appear during the recovery phase or later. This is characterized by a very unsteady walk.