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What is chickenpox?Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by one of a group of Herpes viruses. It causes a distinctive rash that is very itchy, blisters, and mild flu-like symptoms.
How does chickenpox spread?Chickenpox spreads by inhaling infected droplets or by coming into contact with chickenpox blisters. So if an infected person sneezes in front of your baby or has been in close contact with him, your baby can get chickenpox. Make sure that your children do not share clothes or towels if one of them is infected.
It is also possible to catch chickenpox from someone who has shingles. Shingles is the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in a person who has had chickenpox in the past. Shingles may occur when the immune system is weak.
Most children get chickenpox when they are young. Once a baby has caught the virus, it takes between 14 and 21 days for the symptoms to show. Your child will be contagious from two days before the rash appears until all the spots dry up. This could take up to ten days. During this period keep your child at home.
Most people get chickenpox at least once in their lifetime. The infection produces antibodies to help you fight another attack. So if you have had chickenpox, it is very unlikely that you will get it again. It is more common among children below the age of ten. It is usually a mild illness in children, but gets more serious in teenagers, adults and pregnant women. Chickenpox is more common in summer.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?Chickenpox usually starts with mild flu-like symptoms:
- aches and pains
- loss of appetite
Is there any treatment for chickenpox?Chickenpox is a virus, so it won't respond to antibiotics. Paracetamol will bring down the fever and help with any aches and pains. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug. Recent research shows that antiviral drugs have had some benefit. Some homeopaths suggest sulphur to help boost a child's immune system. Your doctor may also prescribe medicated lotion or calamine lotion to relieve the itchiness of the rash.
It is important not to give aspirin to your baby as it can cause a condition called Reye's syndrome, which could have life-threatening consequences.
Will chickenpox leave scars on my child's face?If your baby scratches the spots a lot, they can leave scars. Try to prevent your child from scratching by relieving the itchiness. If you notice scars after the infection has subsided, you could try applying vitamin E oil or cocoa butter. Avoid applying coconut oil as it tends to darken the scars. The scars generally fade over time.
What else can I do for my child who has chickenpox?Chickenpox will go away on its own. But here are a few things you could do at home to relieve your baby's distress:
- If your baby is over three months old, you could give him infant paracetamol to bring down his fever and to relieve any aches and pains. Ask your doctor if you are unsure about what dose to give your baby.
- Give your baby plenty of fluids to prevent him from getting dehydrated. Offer him extra breastmilk or bottle feeds, and if he is formula-fed or on solids, you can give him water too. If your child is older, you could give him fresh fruit juices, lassi, buttermilk, and coconut water. Avoid orange or lime juice, as it is acidic. Try carrot, litchi, pomegranate or apple juice instead.
- Constant touching or scratching of itchy spots may lead to the spread of the infection. To relieve your baby's itchy spots, you could use calamine lotion or a diluted solution of baking soda. Keep your baby's nails short if he keeps scratching himself.
- Dress your baby in loose cotton clothing to keep his skin cool and reduce itching.
- Keep your child in a clean and cool environment as heat, humidity and sweat may increase itchiness.
- If your child has blisters in the mouth, do not add too much masala in his food. Spicy or salty food could make the blisters sting. Ice creams and cold foods will be soothing to the blisters. Use hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes or soothing infant mouth gels recommended by your doctor for sores in the mouth.
Is chickenpox dangerous for pregnant women?If your baby has chickenpox, keep him away from pregnant women who have not had chicken pox before. Chickenpox in pregnancy can cause problems for the unborn baby. If you are pregnant and have had chickenpox before, or the chickenpox vaccine, your child's chickenpox is unlikely to be a problem.
Last reviewed February 2011