Precaution & Cure for Chickenpox in Children

Chicken pox is a mild illness commonly occurring in children under the age of twelve, and is projected in the form blisters that look like a rash, all over the body. It is also capable of affecting teenagers and adults who have weak immune systems. The illness is highly contagious and is accompanied by symptoms of influenza. A vaccine is usually given to a child during the initial years to lower the chances of contracting chicken pox.

The itchy rash that is characteristic of chicken pox is first noticeable on the stomach, face and back. This rash soon spreads to the various parts of the body, including the ears, nose and scalp. It develops as the small bumps change into fluid filled blisters with thin walls, looking like insect bites. When the walls of the blisters are ruptured, the sore is left open to dry and forms a crusty brown scab. The illness is contagious from approximately two days before the appearance of the blisters and will continue till all the blisters have formed a crust. Children who have skin disorders, such as eczema, are prone to severe outbreaks of the rash. At times, bacterial infections of the skin and lungs could develop with the onset of chicken pox. Any bacterial infection that affects the brain, during chicken pox, can lead to encephalitis.

To help ease the discomfort, the infected person should be given a bath in lukewarm water every three or four hours for the first few days. Adding a few margosa leaves to the bath water provides temporary relief from the itching lesions. An oatmeal bath may also be prepared to relieve itching. Instead of rubbing the body dry after a bath, it is advisable to pat it dry to prevent the spread of infection. Scratching and breaking the blisters should also be avoided. Trimming the fingernails is advised to prevent the growth of germs beneath the nails. Applying calamine lotion to the itchy areas, besides the face and near the eyes, is recommended. Fresh fruit juices and water prevents dehydration and boosts the immune system. Because of its highly contagious nature, children suffering from chicken pox should be kept away from other children till every blister has dried. In order to ensure that the virus does not spread, make sure that the infected child washes his hands frequently and that his clothing and linen are changed daily and washed separately with some tea tree oil to kill the germs present.

answered by G M

Varicella zoster a virus is known to cause chicken pox. It is an extremely contagious disease and unless one has been infected with it before, there is a very high probability that he will be infected with it. It is imperative that people do not come into direct contact with the person suffering from it as it spreads from coughing and sneezing and usage of dirty handkerchiefs, which the patient has used.

The incubation period observed in most people is around 13 to 17 days. The most contagious period is the second to fifth days after the appearance of the rash. Usually it is safe for kids to go back to school after six days but a doctor’s advice is recommended.

The following remedies can be done at home to help ease the illness of the patient

Lukewarm water bath with margosa helps with the itching
Application of honey over the affected area will also aid in healing
A warm bath with burdock, ginger, goldenseal, or yellow dock will help soothe the affected areas.
Taking garlic in capsule form will also help in fighting infection
An oatmeal bath can also help in relieving itching
Application of sandalwood oil throughout the illness also helps in healing it
Vitamin E application also helps in healing
If the patient has fever then application of cayenne or lobelia extract in water will help relieve the fever.

answered by R

my 7 yrs old son is infected by chicken pox from 13.1.2008.please advice me when he will cure,and what is the precaution of this time ?