Chicken pox (Varicella)
Raised temperature. Clusters of small pink raised spots all over the body and inside the mouth, which develop into small blisters that break and form crusts.
- For itchy skin, apply a soothing lotion from your chemist. If severe, an oral anti-histamine will help.
- Paracetamol for fever or pain.
- Bathe in luke-warm water with anti-itch liquid soap additive or oatmeal.
- Inform other parents of children your child may have been playing with up to two days before the first spots appeared.
- Keep away from others for at least five days after the first spot appears, or until all blisters have crusted over. People who have been in contact don’t need to stay home.
- Encourage your child not to scratch. Clip fingernails short. Try using mittens or gloves for young children.
- Change sheets on bed or cot daily.