Tips for managing chickenpox symptoms
Drink plenty of water.
Trim nails and consider using mittens to decrease the risk of infection via scratching.
Have a cool or lukewarm bath every 3-4 hours, but instead of soap try adding oatmeal, baking soda or moisturising bath lotion to the water. Pat skin dry.
Dress in loose-fitting clothing and change the bed linen daily.
If there are blisters in the mouth and throat, offer clear cool drinks and soft bland foods.
Use paracetamol for discomfort and pain but avoid aspirin or medicines containing salicylate or salicylic acid for children with chickenpox as there’s a link here with the rare condition Reye’s Syndrome.
Provide early antibiotic medicine if skin infection occurs.
For healthy adolescents and adults, the use of antiviral medicine should be considered in addition to comfort measures. Starting antiviral medicine within 24 hours of the rash appearing may reduce the severity of the disease.
AS FEATURED IN ISSUE 38 OF OHbaby! MAGAZINE. CHECK OUT OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE BELOW
