With the chicken pox vaccine becoming popular a few years ago, this disease is no longer so common. However, some children do still come down with the illness, either because the vaccine did not have its full effect or they have not yet been vaccinated. If your child does develop those characteristic red spots, it's important that you know how to care for him or her properly.
Use oatmeal baths.
Oatmeal is very soothing to sore skin. It naturally imparts moisture to the skin, which can help make the chicken pox spots less itchy. To prepare an oatmeal bath for your child, grind a cup of oats in the blender or food processor until they become a fine powder. Stir this into a warm (not hot) bathtub for of water, and let your child soak for as long as he or she wants. Repeat this process every day until your child is better.
Give acetaminophen for discomfort.
If your child is in pain or discomfort, you can give him or her some acetaminophen (Tylenol) according to the dosage instructions on the package. Do not give your child aspirin, as this can interact with the chicken pox virus and cause serious liver damage.
Keep them from scratching.
Your child will want to itch their chicken pox, but it's important to keep them from doing this as it can lead to a bacterial infection, making matters even worse. Try having them wear thin winter gloves on their hands, day and night. This way, if they do itch, it will be a blunt itch that won't break the skin.
Keep an eye out for signs that your child needs medical attention.
Most cases of chicken pox can be fully managed and treated at home, but there are some serious cases that require medical intervention. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, take them to an urgent care center promptly:
- A fever that goes away but then returns after a few days
- A fever above 102.5 degrees F
- Enlarged, sore lesions on the skin
- Pus exuding from skin lesions
- Extreme lethargy
Your child may need antibiotics to fight a secondary infection that set in once the body was weakened by the chicken pox virus.
Most kids fight off the majority of chicken pox symptoms within about a week. If your child is still uncomfortable after this time, contact your physician or take them to urgent care, such as Emergency Care Dynamics.
