CHICKENPOX
(VARICELLA)

Do the sores appear infected?
Are there any sores in the eye?
Is there fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit?
Does the patient have a severe headache, not relieved by Tylenol?
Have you noticed any seizures, twitching, or unusual behavior?
Is the patient having a severe cough, any trouble breathing, or chest pain?

• If yes to any of the above, the patient should be examined by a physician promptly.
• If no, then follow the instructions below.

ACTIVITIES:  Stay indoors, but not necessarily in bed.  Keep the fingernails cut as short as possible.  Bathe with ordinary soap and water.  A starch bath (4 tablespoons of cornstarch to a tub of water) may be soothing two or three times per day if the itching is particularly uncomfortable.  The illness is contagious starting a day or two before the rash appears and continues until all the water blisters have dried up.  The patient may return to school or work after all the scabs have formed.

MEDICATIONS:  Take Tylenol for fever and Benadryl for itching.  Calamine lotion or a paste made from vinegar and baking soda may be applied to all sores (except in the mouth) several times per day to control itching.  If painful sores appear in the mouth, use tea (made twice as strong as usual, with a little sugar) for mouthwash or gargle. Do not take aspirin. Do not use topical steroid creams or steroid ointments.

• TYLENOL:  The following dosages may be used every 4 hours.
  • For 7-12 pounds give ½ dropperful of Tylenol Drops.
  • For 13-21 pounds give 1 dropperful of Tylenol Drops.
  • For 22-26 pounds give ¾ teaspoon of Tylenol Elixir.
  • For 27-35 pounds give 1 teaspoon of Tylenol Elixir.
  • For 36-45 pounds give 1½ teaspoon of Tylenol Elixir.
  • For 46-65 pounds give 4 Tylenol 80mg chewable tablets.
  • For 66-76 pounds give 5 Tylenol 80mg chewable tablets.
  • For 77-83 pounds give 6 Tylenol 80mg chewable tablets.
  • For 84-100 pounds give 7 Tylenol 80mg chewable tablets.
  • For over 100 pounds give 2 regular or extra-strength Tylenol.
    
  One regular strength Tylenol tablet 325mg = 2 Junior Strength Tylenol = 4 chewable Children's Tylenol = 2 teaspoons = 4 dropperfuls.

• BENADRYL:  The following dosages may be given every 6 hours.
  (May cause drowsiness.)
  2 tsp. Benadryl Elixir 12.5mg/5ml = Benadryl 25mg tablet or capsule.
  • For 10 to 20 pounds give ½ teaspoon of Benadryl Elixir.
  • For 21 to 30 pounds give 1 teaspoon of Benadryl Elixir.
  • For 31 to 40 pounds give 1½ teaspoons of Benadryl Elixir.
  • For 41 to 100 pounds give 2 teaspoons of Benadryl Elixir.
  • For over 100 pounds give 1 or 2 Benadryl tablets or capsules.

DIET:  Drink plenty of fluids, especially when there is a fever.  Usually no changes in the diet are needed.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Any sores become infected.
2. Sores develop in the eye.
3. Fever runs over 103 degrees.
4. Headache is not relieved by Tylenol.
5. There are seizures, twitching, or unusual behavior.
6. Cough becomes severe, breathing is difficult, or there is chest pain.

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This page was last updated on 19 August 1999.