Peak chickenpox season is growing closer, with the highly contagious disease threatening households and schools across the nation. Dr Alexis Missick, GP in partnership with UK Meds, is on a mission to highlight some red flag misunderstandings around the disease, starting with treatment.
Anyone who has experienced chickenpox knows how painful, uncomfortable, and itchy the rash can be. Paracetamol and antihistamines can soothe this, but the doctor issued an urgent warning to any parents using this route of treatment.
“Check that the medication is suitable for the age of the child being dealt with. Paracetamol in tablet form can be administered past the age of six years old, prior to this they should only have it in syrup form,” she said.
For parents looking to avoid packing on the pills, Dr Missick recommended wet or cold compresses and bathing your child in oatmeal bath products to soothe the skin. She added: “You can also try to prevent children from scratching their skin and causing further discomfort by cutting their fingernails or putting socks or gloves over their hands.”
She also recommended looking at relevant cooling gels or creams from pharmacies. While ensuring your child gets plenty of fluids can help their body fight the infection.
Although the disease is contagious, Dr Missick noted adults who have had the virus before or are vaccinated are unlikely to pass it on from their child to other people. The same goes for grandparents who may be able to look after the sick child if their immune system isn’t weakened as this could make them vulnerable.
“Chickenpox in adults is actually more severe and can result in serious complications. Adults who have not had chicken pox as a child should consider the vaccine to prevent them from catching the virus,” the doctor warned. “It is best to avoid contact with people who have reduced immune systems.”
Parents are warned that because of this, siblings who haven’t had the disease or the vaccine are highly likely to become ill as well. Dr Missick recommended siblings follow the same rules as the ill child including staying home from school if necessary. Children with chickenpox should ideally stay inside and have as little contact with other people as possible until all of their blisters have formed scabs and no new ones are appearing, the doctor advised.
While the rash and blisters are the most well-known symptom of chickenpox, other symptoms could arise days before the rash does. This can include flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, aching muscles and a loss of appetite.