Health Tip: Preventing and Treating Chickenpox

(HealthDay News) -- The chickenpox vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since the start of the U.S. chickenpox vaccination program, there has been a 90 percent drop in cases of chickenpox, the agency says.

If you or a loved one does get chickenpox, the CDC has this advice:

• Use calamine lotion and a cool bath to relieve itching.
• Avoid scratching, which can trigger infection.
• Keep fingernails trimmed short to help curtail scratching.
• Do not use aspirin products to relieve fever from chickenpox. Instead, use a non-aspirin medication, such as acetaminophen.

For advice on other treatment options for chickenpox, see your doctor.