Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox on children

Causes, Signs, Symptoms

This is one of the most contagious diseases. It is caused by a virus. Exposure to someone who has it will almost result in the exposed child's coming down with it. Before the rashes erupt, the child may act mildly ill with a low-grade temperature. Within several hours, a deli­cate fluid-filled blister devel­ops. Within 24 hours, the blisters collapse and scrub over. New crops erupt on a 3-to 4-day period, spreading to the face and scalp, tending to spare arms and legs. Mouth, throat, and white of the eye are sometimes affected. Scabs may last one to two weeks. Incubation period is 14 to 16 days. A child is not conta­gious during the incubation period. A child is contagious for about 24 hours prior to the appearance of the rash. Contagiousness lasts until all spots have firmly scabbed.

Treatment

1. If there Is fever, aspirin may be given to the child to lower the tempera­ture.

2. Major complaint is itching and the advice is not to scratch. Calamine lo­tions relieve itching.

3. Bathing while with chicken pox is all right. Cleansing of the skin relieves itching.