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How can you treat chickenpox at home?

To reduce itching, try an antihistamine liquid or tablets that you swallow.
These include cetirizine, loratadine or chlorphenamine.

You can apply a lotion, cream or gel to cool the skin too.
Options include calamine and crotamiton.

Try to have a cool bath as heat can irritate the skin.
Eat soft foods and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

To lower a high body temperature and to help reduce pain, try liquid paracetamol.
You should not use ibuprofen unless prescribed by your doctor.

If needed, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral liquid, tablets or cream to help.

You must see your doctor as soon as possible if you have chicken pox and you are pregnant, have a newborn baby or you have a weak immune system that makes it difficult to recover from infections.

Always speak to your pharmacist or doctor for advice on the right medicines for you, your child or your baby.
And always read the patient information that comes with your medicines.

Learn more here:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses...

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chicken...

https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/...

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/chi...


Published October 2023
To be reviewed October 2025