Spotlight On: Chicken Pox
Stacey from Daisy First Aid Guildford & Redhill explains the symptoms of chicken pox and how to treat them…
This time of year is when chicken pox most commonly spreads and having just spent a week at home with my daughter who has just had them, I can tell you all certainty that it is ‘doing the rounds’ right now!
Most common in children under 10 years old, chicken pox is a mild condition that usually passes on it’s own but it is highly contagious before you even know they have it.
The incubation period where you have it before the spots come out can be anything between 5 and 21 days. Chicken Pox are most infectious a couple of days before the spots begin to come out which means you are likely to pass it on without knowing.
What to look out for
Some children will be smothered in circular, red, fluid filled itchy spots, other children may only get a few spots. The spots usually start in a small cluster somewhere on the body. They usually appear behind the ears, on the face, scalp, chest and belly before spreading to the arms and the legs. The spots can also have a white head to them.
Your child may also experience other symptoms due to the illness, including; high temperature or fever, lack of appetite and general lathery, seeming a bit out of sorts.
How should you treat chicken pox?
As chicken pox is a mild illness, it usually passes on it’s own after a few days so there is no need to see a doctor unless you are concerned for any reason. There are no antibiotics for chicken pox.
As long as there are no allergies, you can give liquid anti-histamine such as Piriton to help with the itching. You can also use a calamine lotion or aqueous on the skin to relieve itching. Try to stop your children itching the spots as they can scar.
If you child has a temperature, you can also use paracetamol such as Calpol but do not give your child ibuprofen while they have chicken pox as there is a risk of this causing an adverse reaction while they have chicken pox.
You child will remain contagious until all of the spots have blistered or scabbed over so it is important to keep them away from childcare/school/those that have not had chickenpox already until that time. Usually the spots come out and blister over within about 5 days, but it can take up to 14 days. in some cases.
Other information on chicken pox
Although unlikely, it is possible to have chicken pox more than once, although most people build up enough immunity when they have it to stop this happening again.
The following groups are at risk of serious problems with chicken pox and should seek medical advice if exposed to chickenpox:
- pregnant women
- newborn babies
- people with weak immune systems
About Stacey:
Stacey is a mum and a qualified first aider, who runs Daisy First Aid in Guildford & Redhill and the surrounding areas.
Daisy First Aid Page link: www.daisyfirstaid.com/stacey-reigate