Child Health: Chickenpox
 If chickenpox is sweeping through your neighbourhood, it probably won't be too long before your child catches it. Read our Q&A guide and prepare yourself to be a dab hand with the calamine lotion.
When are children most likely to catch it?
Chickenpox is usually caught between the ages of two and eight.
A friend is having a chickenpox party – is it a good idea to take my child along?
Children, with the exception of new born babies, usually have a much milder response to chickenpox - which can be painful if caught during puberty or adulthood. So if your child is of good health and you're happy for them to catch chickenpox, then go ahead.
How do I know if my child has it?
The earliest signs of chickenpox are similar to a cold – your child may have a slight fever, raised temperature and runny nose.
Next is the appearance of small red spots which are very itchy.
The spots turn into blisters – the fluid inside is the chickenpox virus and marks the most contagious part of the disease.
The blisters eventually dry out and form scabs.
How long is my child infectious for?
Your child is infectious from two days before the rash appears and five days afterwards, or until the last scab crusts over.
How long will the spots last for?
In most cases you can expect the spots to last for between two and four weeks before they disappear entirely. Do what you can to prevent your child from scratching at the spots which will cause scarring.
I'm pregnant – am I in any danger from being in contact with a child who has chickenpox?
If you've already had chickenpox, then you don't need to worry. If you haven't had chickenpox and think you might have been exposed to it in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy there is a one in 50 chance that your unborn baby might be affected. If you're pregnant and the chickenpox rash appears, see your doctor as a matter of urgency as antiviral treatments can only be started within 24 hours of the rash appearance. For more information click here.
Should I take my child to see my doctor?
If you're at all worried about a rash, then take your child to see the doctor. In particular if you have a very young baby with chickenpox you should see your doctor so they can be treated with antibodies. Newborn babies (within a few days of birth) with chickenpox have a 20% risk of dying from the disease.
What should I be doing to treat the chickenpox?
To treat the flu-like symptoms you can give children's paracetemol to bring down your child's temperature and relieve any pain. For the itching, apply calamine lotion or cream to the affected areas. Warm, but not hot, baths are a good idea and you can put a handful of bicarbonate of soda in the bath if you wish. Piriton syrup can relieve the itching and – as it makes children drowsy – can be a good idea to give a child before they go to bed, to aid sleep.
Don't give a child under 16 aspirin if they have chickenpox.
Please note:
The medical and health-related information on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In the event of any physical or mental condition, seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay. Do not postpone medical treatment while awaiting a response from this site.
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