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Diagnostic
Findings of Chickenpox
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Multiple
small red, bumps that progress to
thin-walled water blisters; then cloudy blisters or open sores, which are usually less than 1/4 inch
across; and finally dry, brown crusts (all within 24 hours)
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Repeated
crops of these sores for 4 to 5 days
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Rash
on all body surfaces but usually starts on the head and back
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Some
ulcers (sores) in the mouth, eyelids and genital area
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Fever
(unless the rash is mild)
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Exposure
to a child with chickenpox 14 to 16 days earlier
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Cause
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Chickenpox
is caused by exposure to a highly contagious virus 14 to 16 days earlier.
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New
eruptions continue to crop up daily for 4 to 5 days.
The fever is usually the highest on the third or fourth day.
The children start to feel better and stop having a fever once they
stop getting new bumps. The
average child gets a total of 500 sores.
Chickenpox rarely leaves any permanent scars unless the sores
become badly infected with impetigo or your child repeatedly picks off the
scabs. However, normal
chickenpox leave temporary marks on the skin that take 6 to 12 months to
fade. One attack gives
lifelong immunity. Very
rarely, a child may develop a second mild attack.
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Itching
and Cool Baths.
The best treatment for skin discomfort and itching is a cool bath
every 3 to 4 hours for the first few days.
Baths don't spread the chickenpox.
Calamine™ lotion can be placed on itchy spots after the bath.
If the itching becomes severe or interferes with sleep, give your
child a non prescription antihistamine (Benadryl™.)
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Fever. Acetaminophen may be given in the dose appropriate for your
child's age if your child develops a fever over 102°.
Aspirin should be avoided in children and adolescents with
chickenpox because of the link with Reye's syndrome.
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Sore
Mouth. Since
chickenpox sores also occur in the mouth and throat, your child may be
picky about eating. Encourage cold fluids.
Offer a soft bland diet and avoid salty foods and citrus fruits.
If the mouth ulcers become troublesome, have your child gargle 1
Tablespoon of an antacid four times daily after meals.
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Sore
Genital Area. Sores also normally occur in the genital area.
If urination becomes very painful, apply some 2 1/2 % lidocaine (Xylocaine™
or 1% Nupercainal™ ointment - no prescription needed) to the genital
ulcers every 2 to 3 hours to relieve pain.
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Prevention
of Impetigo (Infected Sores). To prevent the sores from becoming infected with bacteria,
trim your child's fingernails short.
Also, wash the hands with an antibacterial soap frequently during
the day. For young babies who
are scratching badly, you may want to cover their hands with cotton socks.
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Contagiousness
and Isolation.
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Children
with chickenpox are contagious until all the sores have crusted over, usually
about 6 to 8 days. You usually do not need to bring your child to the physician's
office. If you must, leave your
child in the car with a sitter while you check
in. Your child does not have
to stay at home until all the scabs have fallen off. Most adults who think they didn't have chickenpox as a
child had a mild case. Only 4% of
adults are not protected. If you
lived in the same households with siblings who had chickenpox, consider yourself
protected. Siblings will come down
with chickenpox in 14 to 16 days.
The second case in a family usually has many more chickenpox than the first case.
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Immediately
if:
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Your
child develops a patch of red, tender skin.
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Your
child develops a speckled red rash that looks like scarlet fever.
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Your
child becomes confused or difficult to awaken.
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Your
child develops trouble walking.
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The
neck becomes stiff.
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Breathing
becomes difficult or fast.
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Vomiting
occurs three or more times
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Bleeding
occurs into the chickenpox
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Your
child starts acting very sick
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The
scabs become larger.
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The
scabs become soft and drain pus. (NOTE: Use an antibiotic ointment on
these sores until your child is seen by a physician.)
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The
fever lasts over 4 days.
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A
lymph node becomes larger and more tender
than others.
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The
itching is severe and doesn't respond to treatment.
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Your
child develops pain when urinating.
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You
have other concerns or questions.
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