Chickenpox is extremely itchy and it’s important that your child doesn’t scratch the blisters. Bacteria under the fingernails can cause severe infection and if scabs are scratched off prematurely, scarring will occur. Here are a few tips to minimize the itch and keep your child as comfortable as possible:
Use cold compresses on the lesions and give lukewarm baths every four hours for four to five days after the chickenpox blisters break out. Oatmeal especially for baths can be purchased at drug stores and pharmacies and works great to sooth itchy chickenpox.
Never rub chickenpox to dry them after a bath. Pat dry with a soft towel.
Use calamine lotion on an itchy chickenpox rash for soothing relief. Do not get it near or in the eyes.
If your child has chickenpox lesions in his mouth, feed only soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, soft boiled or poached eggs or lukewarm soup. Do not feed your child anything that contains acid, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, or apple juice. Do not give your child salty foods. Acid and salt will cause the blisters to burn.
If your child has chickenpox on his genital area, ask his pediatrician or the pharmacist to recommend a product that will sooth the area and relieve itching and pain.
Administer Tempra, Tylenol or another product containing acetaminophen.