Parents may not know if their child has a fever followed by an itchy rash if it is not chickenpox. Families should be aware of the chickenpox signs and care tips for children to make a safe response, but the presence of one or more spots does not necessarily mean the child has chickenpox.
Varicella (also known as chickenpox) is a highly contagious condition that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. In healthy children, it is usually mild, but it can be complicated and should not be disregarded.
What Are the Early Signs?
Before the rash, fever, tiredness, headache, and loss of appetite can occur 1-2 days before. The rash is the first obvious symptom in some children. Usually begins on the chest, back, or face and spreads.
The small red spots develop into fluid-filled blisters, and then the blisters will crust over. Sometimes new spots will develop while old ones are being healed, which means that there may be multiple stages present at any given time. The illness usually lasts around four to seven days.
Which Medicines Are Safe?
Most healthy children receive treatment aimed at relieving fever and itching and helping the child feel better. Consult a paediatrician for the correct medication and dosage for the child’s age and weight.
Do not give aspirin to a child with chickenpox, as this is associated with a very rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome that affects the liver and brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States also recommends that, if you can, avoid taking Ibuprofen because it has been linked to severe skin infections. Antibiotics won’t cure the chickenpox virus; they will only be given by a doctor if a bacterial infection occurs. Antiviral treatment can be considered for people who may be at higher risk and is most effective when initiated early.
Home Care and Precautions
Encourage rest and regular fluid intake. Cool baths, calamine lotion or an oatmeal bath may help soothe itching. Keep the child’s nails short and clean, and discourage scratching to lower the risk of skin infection. Choose loose, comfortable clothing and seek medical advice if symptoms are difficult to manage. citeturn292566search0
Chickenpox spreads through the air and through contact with fluid from blisters. A child can pass it on one to two days before the rash appears and remains contagious until all blisters have crusted. Keep the child away from school and close contact with newborns, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system until then.
When Should Parents Seek Medical Help?
Contact a doctor if you are unsure the rash is chickenpox, the child is very young or has a weakened immune system, or symptoms worsen. Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness or confusion, trouble walking, signs of dehydration, a persistent or high fever, or skin that becomes increasingly red, hot, painful or starts leaking pus.
Vaccination is an important way to prevent chickenpox and reduce the risk of severe disease. Ask your paediatrician which vaccination schedule applies to your child.
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