Question:

Can chickenpox be treated?

Answer:

Yes. A prescription drug called acyclovir has been approved by the FDA for use in treating the symptoms of chickenpox in people older than 2 years. The drug should help reduce the severity of chickenpox symptoms, especially in older children and teenagers, if taken within 24 hours of the rash's first appearance.

This drug is generally only used in severe cases of chickenpox and in patients who are immunosuppressed, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients.