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Chickenpox Symptoms and Suggested Action

What are the symptoms to look for in diagnosing Chickenpox?
It is a virus that main symptom is an itchy, irritating rash. The rash spots will blister and then dry up within a few days. A mild fever starts immediately prior to the spots appearing.

Do symptoms vary according to the age of the child? If so please could you explain the differences? The symptoms are generally more severe the older the child. Most children contract chickenpox under the age of 10.

How soon should the child see a doctor?
As soon as possible to confirm diagnosis.

Should the child be taken to hospital with this condition?
If you are unable to reach a doctor and you have concerns.

What is the normal procedure for treating Chickenpox?

  • Keep the child cool to prevent sweating and further itching.
  • Paracetamol to reduce fever.
  • Calamine lotion to reduce itchiness
  • Piriton syrup to relieve itchiness
  • Cut the child's fingernails to prevent scratching the blisters and spreading the infection.

Does this illness require long-term treatment and care?
Not normally. In most cases the chickenpox will last 7 to 10 days.

How Chickenpox is normally contracted?
Chickenpox is spread by touch and in air-borne droplets i.e. an infected person coughing or sneezing.

Is Chickenpox contagious? If so, how long should the patient be contained?
An infected person is infectious for two days prior to the spots appearing until around one week after.

Is Chickenpox particularly dangerous if contracted by a particular group i.e. The elderly or the very young?
Chicken pox is particularly dangerous if contracted by the following -

  • Non-immune pregnant women
  • People with weak immune systems e.g. people suffering with chronic leukaemia

Can the patient contract Chickenpox again after recovery?
No. The body is immune but the virus remains dormant and may reappear as shingles in older adults.

Are any vaccinations available to prevent the contraction of Chickenpox?
There are vaccinations available but these are not part of the routine childhood vaccinations in the UK.

What do you recommend the child should do to aid the recovery process?
Try not to scratch the spots; scratching can spread the infection.

What is the normal recovery period for this type of infection?
7-10 days

Can Chickenpox cause long-term suffering/disability for the child? If so, what suffering/disability is caused?
Physical scars if the spots are scratched.

NOTE: The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.

 

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