Chicken Pox Treatment & Relief

Chicken pox, caused by the highly contagious varicella-zoster virus, is a common childhood illness, though it can affect adults who haven't previously had it. It manifests as an itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters, causing significant discomfort. At Weldricks Pharmacy, we understand the need for quick and effective chicken pox treatment to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Our trusted selection of over-the-counter solutions, including soothing creams, cooling gels, and oral options, is designed to help manage the itching and discomfort, allowing for a more comfortable recovery. Browse our range to find the ideal chicken pox treatment for you or your child.

Managing chicken pox effectively means focusing on symptom relief and preventing skin damage from scratching. Our range of chicken pox treatment options provides various ways to achieve this:

  • Topical Relief: Explore our selection of calamine cream, calamine lotion, and specific anti-itch creams like Eurax. These are excellent for soothing the skin and reducing the urge to scratch. For intensive cooling, consider products like Virasoothe gel or PoxClin CoolMousse.
  • Oral Solutions: For more widespread or severe itching, oral antihistamines such as Piriton Syrup can provide systemic relief, helping to make the patient more comfortable, especially at night.
  • Pain Management: While chicken pox spots are typically itchy rather than painful, discomfort can arise. For general aches or fever, paracetamol (following dosage instructions) can be used. Explore our pain relief section for suitable options.

Remember to keep the affected areas clean and avoid scratching to minimise the risk of scarring and secondary infections. Gentle bathing in cool water and patting the skin dry with soft towels can also provide comfort. At Weldricks, we are committed to providing you with reliable products and advice for managing common conditions like chicken pox with confidence. Our professional team is here to support your healthcare needs with easy online ordering and convenient free UK delivery over £40.

Chicken Pox FAQs

What is chicken pox?

Chicken pox is a highly contagious infection that causes an itchy, spotty rash. This can occur anywhere on the body. Chicken pox is extremely common and normally affects children, however, it is possible to get chicken pox at any age.

What are the symptoms of chicken pox?

The main symptom of chicken pox is an itchy rash which can appear anywhere on the body, including in the mouth. A rash normally appears in three stages:
  • Small spots appear on the body, either within a small, concentrated area or spread across the body. Spots are often red or pink but can be skin colour or darker.
  • Spots fill with fluid and become blisters, which causes itching.
  • Spots will form a scab. Some scabs may leak fluid but will eventually dry out and fall off.
Chicken pox spots cause feelings of discomfort rather than pain, but spots in the mouth or other sensitive areas such as the genitals can be more painful.

Other symptoms may include:
  • A high temperature
  • Aches and pains
  • Generally feeling unwell
  • Loss of appetite
If you’re not sure if you or your child has chicken pox, contact your GP and let the reception staff know that you think it’s chicken pox. If you’re in a high-risk group, you’re pregnant and have not had chicken pox before, or you think your newborn has chicken pox, you should call 111 right away.

How do you treat chicken pox?

In most cases, chicken pox is harmless and will clear up itself within a couple of weeks, however, as with any other illness, you should rest when possible, drink plenty of fluids.

Chicken pox can make the skin incredibly itchy but it’s important not to scratch at your spots. Weldricks offers various cooling creams, lotions and gels to help with this and in some cases, you may be prescribed antihistamines. Scratch mittens can also be used for babies and young children.

You should not:
  • scratch the spots; this can cause scarring
  • Use ibuprofen unless advised to by your GP
  • Give aspirin to children under the age of 16
You may also find it comfortable to bathe in cool water, however, you should pat the skin dry and not rub. It’s also ok to take paracetamol to help with any pain or discomfort, but you should follow the instructions and speak to your pharmacist if you’re unsure.

Is chicken pox contagious?

Chicken pox is highly contagious and can be spread just by being in the same room as someone else with the infection. It’s therefore important that you avoid contact with other people until all of your spots have formed a scab, especially anyone with a weakened immune system - including newborn babies and anyone who is pregnant - as chicken pox can be dangerous for them. This typically takes five days from when you first notice your spots appear. Chicken pox is spreadable from two days before your spots first appear, so you should stay home right away if you suspect that you may have the infection.

What causes chicken pox?

Chicken pox is an airborne virus that is normally spread by being in contact with someone who has the infection, either through breathing, coughing, sneezing or physical skin contact. It’s also possible to spread the infection through indirect contact, such as touching a surface or object after someone who has chicken pox.

How long does the chicken pox last?

Chicken pox symptoms typically clear up within 1-2 weeks. You may notice some new spots appear whilst your first spots are drying out and healing, however, all spots will normally scab over and drop off within 5-10 days of your first spots appearing.

Can you catch chicken pox twice?

It is possible for someone to catch chicken pox a second time, however, this is extremely rare and is more likely to occur if a person was very young the first time they had chicken pox. People can also develop shingles years later as a result of having chicken pox earlier in their life. This is caused by the virus remaining inactive within your nervous system for a long period of time, then reactivating late in life and travelling along the pathways to your skin. Not everyone who has chicken pox will develop shingles. You must go to a doctor if you think you may have shingles.

For further guidance and expert advice on managing chicken pox, explore our comprehensive guides: Chicken Pox: Causes and Prevention and A Guide to Chickenpox Remedies and Medication. Weldricks Pharmacy is your trusted partner for health, offering a wide array of medicines for children and adults, alongside professional, friendly advice to help you navigate common health conditions. For detailed information and trusted medical advice on chicken pox, please visit the NHS chickenpox guide.