Chickenpox is a very common and highly infectious illness that affects young children. The varicella-zoster virus causes it, and around 4 million people catch the virus every year across the USA. It is generally a mild illness, and the risk of catching it can be reduced by taking the varicella-zoster virus vaccine.
Read on to learn more about chickenpox: the causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What are the chickenpox symptoms in children?
The most common and well-known symptom is the itchy red bumps on the skin all over your child’s body. After about five to ten days, the spots will scab over, and the chickenpox will no longer be contagious. Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Generally feeling unwell
What causes chickenpox in children?
Chickenpox is highly contagious and easily passed from one child to another by direct contact or through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. Symptoms may not appear right away after infection. When you notice the rash or other symptoms of chickenpox, you’ll need to keep your child at home until the spots have scabbed over.
How is chickenpox treated?
The best way to minimize the symptoms of chickenpox or reduce the chance of infection is to get the varicella-zoster virus vaccine. The vaccine is given in two doses: the first when they are 12 to 15 months old and the second between the ages of 4 and 6.
There is no specific medicine to treat chickenpox, as it is a virus, so antibiotics will only be prescribed if the spots become infected with bacteria.
If your child gets chickenpox, you can usually treat the virus at home. The goal is to prevent your child from itching and scratching the spots, as this can spread the virus around the body and potentially to other members of the family.
Give your little one regular, cool, wet compresses or baths in lukewarm water to reduce the itchiness and discomfort. Pat their skin dry and apply calamine lotion to ease the pain.
Rest and fluids also help, especially with a fever or headache. Over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen are ideal for lowering body temperature.
Contact your doctor for advice and treatment if your child has immune system problems or leukemia, as chickenpox may cause additional health complications and alternative treatment may be required.
What next?
For most kids, chickenpox symptoms go away by themselves and don’t cause any lasting damage. Once the spots have scabbed over, your child can return to school.
However, if you notice that your child’s symptoms are not improving or they have a fever that lasts more than four days, problems breathing, or that the rash gets infected, contact your doctor for advice and a checkup.
If you need any advice about the varicella-zoster virus vaccine or are concerned about chickenpox, call us today to book an appointment with one of our board-certified pediatricians.