Caring for children with chickenpox: everything you need to know

What is Chickenpox aka Varicella?

Chickenpox or Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) also known as Herpes Human Virus (HHV) 3. Although preventable by vaccination, there are children who still get chickenpox after vaccination.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The disease is usually preceded by a low-grade fever and constitutional symptoms such as feeling tiredness. Skin eruption begins with a rash that soon turns into an itchy, fluid-filled blister all over the body.

What can you do to treat children with chickenpox?

Take care of your children using these tips recommended by dermatologists

  1. Keep your children at home
  2. Bath with colloidal oatmeal helps soothe the itch
  3. Apply fragrance-free, anti-itch lotion or powder after bath
  4. Relieve fever using Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. Aspirin is not allowed for children
  5. Reduce the itch using over-the-counter oral antihistamine
  6. Keep the nails short to prevent infections due to scratching

More information about chickenpox

Make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist if the symptoms do not get better. But after all, prevention is better than cure. The best way to protect your children from chickenpox is to get them vaccinated.

The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) can reactivate and cause Herpes Zoster or Shingles. Don’t worry, we got you covered on that topic. You can check out our infographic regarding Herpes Zoster!

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