#Mild chickenpox how to#

The chickenpox vaccine is not part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK, but it is available privately and recommended for those who are at risk of severe infection . Chickenpox is a common childhood illness in the UK, approximately 90% of people have had chickenpox by the age of 15 years.

Describe the current prevention and treatment options for chickenpox, including vaccination, antiviral medications and symptomatic relief measures.Ĭhickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

#Mild chickenpox how to#

Explain the signs and symptoms of chickenpox, including how to differentiate chickenpox from other skin conditions.Understand the epidemiology, pathophysiology and complications of chickenpox to counsel patients and prevent the spread of infection.Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services ResearchĪfter reading this article, you should be able to:.International Journal of Pharmacy Practice.

Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship.

The second case in a family always has many more chickenpox sores than the first case. Siblings will come down with chickenpox in 14 to 16 days.

If you lived in the same household with siblings who had chickenpox, consider yourself protected. Most adults who think they didn't have chickenpox as a child had a mild case. It may take 2 weeks for all of the scabs fall off. Once all the sores have crusted over (after 5 to 7 days), your child does not have to stay home anymore even though he still has scabs. If you must, leave your child in the car with a sitter while you check in. To avoid exposing other children, try not to take your child to the healthcare provider's office. For young babies who are scratching badly, you may want to cover their hands with cotton socks.Ĭhildren with chickenpox are contagious 5 days before the rash begins and until all the sores have crusted over, usually about 5 to 7 days after the rash begins. Also, wash the hands with an antibacterial soap (such as Dial or Safeguard) frequently during the day. To prevent the sores from becoming infected with bacteria, trim your child's fingernails short. It may also be prescribed for adults, college students, and high school students. Children who have immune system problems, are taking steroids, or have a chronic skin or lung disease should receive acyclovir. Most normal, healthy children do not need to take this drug. It slightly reduces the number of sores and may shorten the days of illness by one. It helps only if started within 24 hours after sores appear. If urination becomes very painful, apply some 2.5% lidocaine (Xylocaine) or pramoxine (no prescription needed) to the genital ulcers every 4 hours to relieve pain.Īcyclovir is a prescription antiviral drug sometimes used to treat chickenpox. Sores also normally occur in the genital area.

If mouth sores become troublesome and your child is over age 4, have him gargle or swallow 1 teaspoon of an antacid solution four times a day after meals. Offer a soft, bland diet and avoid salty foods and citrus fruits. For infants, use a cup rather than a bottle because the nipple can cause pain. Encourage your child to drink cold fluids. Do not give aspirin to children and adolescents with chickenpox because of the link with Reye's syndrome.īecause chickenpox sores also occur in the mouth and throat, your child may be picky about eating. Do not give ibuprofen products because of a possible link with severe Strep infections. If the itching becomes severe or interferes with sleep, give your child a nonprescription antihistamine pill called Benadryl.Īcetaminophen may be given in the dose appropriate for your child's age for a few days if your child develops a fever over 102☏ (39☌). You can also massage the itchy spots with an ice cube for 10 minutes. Put calamine lotion on the itchy spots after the bath. Add 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of baking soda, oatmeal, or cornstarch per tub of water. The best treatment for skin discomfort and itching is a cool or lukewarm bath every 3 to 4 hours for the first few days.