Coping with Chickenpox

June 11, 2018Healthcare

Chickenpox is something that parents dread. But, it is something that most children get. Even those children that have been vaccinated can suffer from the virus. However, being vaccinated is still recommended as it helps to reduce the severity of the illness.

Symptoms can range from mild, with just a few itchy spots, to severe cases with large blisters, fever, sore throat, cold symptoms, difficulty sleeping, and the risk of scarring. Here are some tips to help you and your child cope with chickenpox.

See a Doctor

If your child has severe symptoms, especially if they have been vaccinated, it is worth seeing a doctor. Consider using pediatric telemedicine rather than bringing a contagious child to the doctor's office, where they could infect other patients.

A doctor can confirm the diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatments, and watch for any signs of complications. They may prescribe antiviral medication in severe cases or for children at higher risk of complications.

Keep Them Cool

Heat makes the itching worse, so keeping your child cool is essential. Dress them in loose cotton clothing that allows air to circulate. Use light blankets at bedtime rather than heavy comforters.

Keep windows open when weather permits and try to maintain a comfortable room temperature. You can also try placing a damp, cool cloth on particularly itchy areas for temporary relief.

Place moisturizer in the fridge before applying it. The cool cream provides soothing relief and helps reduce the urge to scratch, which can prevent scarring and secondary infections.

Oat Baths

Lukewarm baths with oats are wonderfully soothing for chickenpox. Simply put a cup of regular oats in the bath water and let your child soak for as long as they like. The oats release natural compounds that calm irritated skin.

Do not use hot water, as this will increase itching. The water should be lukewarm at most. Pat the skin dry gently rather than rubbing, as friction can irritate the blisters.

Try Creams

Chamomile lotion may not work for every child. Before investing in expensive specialty products, try a simple E45 cream cooled in the refrigerator. The cooling effect combined with the moisturizing properties can be more effective than many pricier alternatives.

Apply cream gently with clean hands, being careful not to break any blisters. Reapply as often as needed, especially after baths or when your child complains of increased itching.

Antihistamines

A mild, child-safe, non-drowsy antihistamine can help reduce itching and make your child more comfortable. Ask your pharmacist for an appropriate recommendation based on your child's age and weight.

Follow the dosage instructions carefully and do not exceed the recommended amount. Antihistamines work best when given consistently rather than only when itching is at its worst.

Get Out of the House

Your child should not go to school or nursery until all the blisters have scabbed over. However, this does not mean they need to be completely housebound.

Take drives or go for walks in quiet areas when fewer people are around. Fresh air helps both physically and mentally, and a change of scenery can do wonders for a child who has been stuck inside for days.

Just be mindful to avoid close contact with others, particularly pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals who are at higher risk from the virus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chickenpox typically lasts about 5-10 days from the first appearance of spots to when all blisters have scabbed over. The initial symptoms may include fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite for 1-2 days before the rash appears.

The rash progresses through three stages: red spots that develop into fluid-filled blisters, which then burst and form scabs. New spots may continue to appear for 3-5 days, so your child may have spots in all three stages at the same time.

Children are considered contagious from about 1-2 days before the rash appears until all blisters have formed scabs, which usually takes about 5-7 days after the rash starts. This is why it is important to keep children home from school and away from others during this period.

Most children recover fully from chickenpox without complications. However, the time at home can feel much longer for both parent and child. Having a plan for keeping your child comfortable and entertained during recovery makes the experience more manageable for everyone.

Yes, even children who have been vaccinated can still get chickenpox, though the cases are typically much milder. Breakthrough chickenpox in vaccinated children usually presents with fewer spots, less itching, and milder overall symptoms.

The chickenpox vaccine is about 90% effective at preventing the disease entirely. For the small percentage of vaccinated children who do contract it, the illness is usually shorter in duration and less severe.

Vaccinated children who get breakthrough chickenpox may have only a few dozen spots compared to the hundreds that unvaccinated children typically develop. They are also less likely to develop fever or feel significantly unwell.

Despite the possibility of breakthrough cases, vaccination is still strongly recommended. The reduction in severity alone makes the vaccine worthwhile, as it significantly decreases the risk of complications, scarring, and severe illness.

Oat baths are one of the most effective home remedies for chickenpox itching. Simply add a cup of regular oats to lukewarm bath water and let your child soak for as long as they want. The oats release compounds that soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation.

Keeping the skin cool is another effective approach. Place a simple moisturizing cream in the refrigerator before applying it to the spots. The cooling sensation provides immediate itch relief that can last for an hour or more.

Loose cotton clothing helps prevent irritation and allows air to circulate around the skin. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and make itching worse. Light blankets at bedtime also help keep body temperature regulated.

Keping fingernails short is essential to prevent scratching, which can lead to infection and scarring. For younger children, cotton mittens or socks over the hands at night can prevent unconscious scratching during sleep.

You should consult a doctor if your child develops a high fever that does not respond to appropriate pain relief, if the blisters become red and swollen indicating possible bacterial infection, or if your child seems unusually lethargic or confused.

Pediatric telemedicine is an excellent option for chickenpox consultations. Since chickenpox is highly contagious, bringing your child to a doctor's office can expose other patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk.

Seek immediate medical attention if your child has difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, severe headache, stiff neck, or if the rash spreads to the eyes. These symptoms can indicate complications that require prompt treatment.

For children who were previously vaccinated and develop chickenpox, a doctor visit is advisable to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the breakthrough case does not require additional treatment. The doctor may also want to document the breakthrough case.

Preventing the spread of chickenpox within a household is extremely difficult because the virus is airborne and contagious even before symptoms appear. By the time one child shows spots, siblings have likely already been exposed.

If possible, keep the infected child in a separate room and limit close contact with siblings. However, in a family home, complete isolation is rarely practical or emotionally healthy for the sick child.

Ensure good hygiene practices including frequent handwashing, not sharing towels or bedding, and keeping the sick child's laundry separate. Change bed sheets daily during the active blister phase.

If siblings have not been vaccinated, consult your pediatrician about getting them vaccinated immediately. The vaccine can be effective if given within 3-5 days of exposure, potentially preventing the disease or reducing its severity.

Yes, fresh air is actually beneficial for children with chickenpox, as long as you take precautions to avoid contact with other people. Going for car rides, walks in quiet areas, or spending time in your own backyard can help break the monotony of being stuck indoors.

The key rule is to avoid public places where your child could spread the virus to others, especially pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems who are at high risk for serious complications. Parks, stores, and school are off limits until all blisters have scabbed over.

Choose times when your neighborhood is quieter, such as early morning or early afternoon on weekdays. A simple drive around town or a walk in a less-trafficked area gives your child a change of scenery without risking exposure to others.

Fresh air and gentle movement can actually help children feel better physically and emotionally. Being stuck inside for over a week is tough on active children, and short outdoor excursions can improve both mood and recovery.