Chicken pox or varicella zoster is a virus that occurs mainly in young children. However, adults and older children can also get the virus. The incidence of chickenpox is declining mainly due to the varicella immunization which has reduced the number of people contracting the disease.

Usually, children feel under the weather a few days before developing the pox or skin lesions that most people identify with the virus. Children may have a temperature and a headache as well as abdominal pain, or a sore throat. In a few days, a rash will appear on the epidermal layer of their skin. The rash usually starts out as a few small bumps that look similar to bug bites. The bumps first start on the abdomen or chest area and then spread to the rest of the body. Pox can even be seen inside the mouth, the ears, and on the scalp. Eventually, the red bumps develop blisters which pop and crust over. This entire process can take about a week or so.

If you want to be sure that your child has chickenpox, you may want to see a doctor in order to get a diagnosis. Because chicken pox can be so contagious, you want to call first to see if your doctor wishes to see your child. Some doctors may ask that you not bring the child in unless there are complications like an infection. Other doctors will ask that you bring your child into the office, but use another entrance in order to minimize the exposure to others.

Because chicken pox is a virus, your child will probably not receive a prescription as part of their treatment unless an infection or other type of complication develops. Children who have an impaired immune system and are at risk for developing complications may take an anti-viral drug called Acyclovir, but only on the advice of a doctor. 

There are some things that you can do to treat the symptoms of the disease and to help make your child more comfortable however. In order to reduce the itching, you may want to pat calamine lotion on your child's pox or you can give your child an oatmean bath. You can get oatmeal bath products at most drug and grocery stores. Remember to pat your child's skin dry instead of rubbing. If your child has pain or a fever, you can give him acetominophen. It is important to never give children with the chicken pox virus aspirin because it can cause further complications. If your child has lesions in his mouth which make it painful to eat or drink, you can give him popsicles or jello in addition to other liquids to keep him hydrated.

Although the virus is mild in most children, some children do get severe cases of chicken pox. If you are concerned about your child, call your doctor.