The usual method of contamination for chickenpox is the inhalation of respiratory droplets from someone that's infected. Viral transmission also occurs through direct contact, although at a lower risk, unless you happen to touch the liquid from a vesicle. Due to chickenpox's highly contagious nature, it is highly recommended that you do not go out of your house until all vesicles/lesions have crusted over. Getting Rid of Chickenpox In a healthy scenario, chickenpox typically doesn't need any special steps to get rid of it. For the most part, the disease is just allowed to run its course. To help ease your symptoms, though, here are a few things you can try. •Whatever you do, don't scratch the lesions. Chickenpox lesions itch a lot. Fight the urge to scratch them when they do. Scratching your chickenpox lesions will just cause your fingers to be infected with the fluid, increasing the chances of spreading the disease. Scratching will also slow down the healing process and increase the chances of the sores becoming infected. Wear gloves and trim your fingernails to lessen the amount of damage done, especially if you unconsciously scratch the lesions (like during sleep, for instance). If itching is so severe that it impedes with your daily living, call a doctor for assistance. •Use anti-itching lotions. Calamine lotion is the most common lotion used in treating chickenpox. It is applied directly to the blisters to help them dry out, as well as soothe the skin. If calamine lotion is not available, there are other over-the-counter prescriptions you can substitute. Ask your dermatologist for the list. •Take soothing baths. Nice baths can help relieve itching. Add some finely ground oatmeal, baking soda, or colloidal oatmeal to enhance the soothing effect. Home preparation of oatmeal can be done by preparing two cups of finely ground oatmeal to the bath water. And additional cup of baking soda can also be added for better itch relief. •Take medications for the fever. If the fever is bothering you, over-the-counter acetaminophens such as Tylenol can help. Other symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and muscle aches are also treatable by acetaminophen. Stay away from aspirins as these give the risk of getting Reye's syndrome, especially to little children. •Get plenty of rest. Since you will not be going outside, use the time at home to get plenty of rest. Resting helps your body heal faster by promoting the production of white blood cells to fight off the infection. •Take anti-viral medications. Your doctor may prescribe anti-viral drugs such as acyclovir to help reduce the duration of the infection. Prevention The best way to prevent getting chickenpox is by having yourself vaccinated against it. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the vaccine completely protects about 90% of the children who get it. For the remaining 10% who do, the vaccine helps cushion the severity of the disease, making it much more manageable. The vaccine is recommended for: •Young children •Older children who have never been vaccinated •Adults who have never been vaccinated and have never had the disease, but are at a high risk of exposure. Chickenpox is usually a part of a person's childhood. It may be uncomfortable for the couple of weeks you or your child are affected, but immunity is usually guaranteed afterwards. Just grin and bear it, and you should be alright.