Chickenpox is an illness caused by the virus 'varicella zostervaricella'. This is highly contagious by nature, and kids often get affected by this, especially those under 12. Chickenpox may appear as itchy rash of spots all over the body, with symptoms of cold or flue. These spots may look like blisters with fluids in it and then become open sores, which finally crust over to become dry, brown scabs. However, chickenpox is harmless like a common cold or flu. It may disappear within 10-21 days with proper rest. Since it is virus induced decease, antibiotics will not work. So a proper rest at home would be the ideal cure for this, which would also prevent it from being spread.
Chickenpox can also be prevented by a vaccine, namely chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. If your kid has got a shot of it, then you don't need to worry about it. In case not, better get the vaccine once so that you can save few school days of your kid. One more interesting fact on chickenpox, once affected it may not ever affect that person again. Your body draws the immunity once you get affected by that.
Chickenpox is most contagious during the first 2 to 5 days of their sickness, i.e. 1 or 2 days before the rash shows up. That suggests that your kid might be spreading the virus without any sign of doing that. This makes chickenpox difficult to prevent in a group of non-vaccinated kids.
The main difficulty in managing chickenpox in kids is their scratching tendency on the itchy spots. Scratching the itchy spot may leave wounds on the body and can lead to skin infection which would require you to get the help of your physician. The best way to deal with this is trim your kid's finger nails, or make them wear mittens or socks during sleep. If your child has a sibling, keep him or her away from the affected child because it is highly contagious. Your child must be kept away from school until all the blisters have been dried up. Anyhow, ask your doctor in case you are confused.
Still, there are times when you need to be cautioned, especially when, fever rises above 102° F (38.8° C), or difficulty in breathing occurs. Otherwise you can continue with the care at home. As already discussed, itching could be biggest trouble, heat and sweat could result in itching. So it is advised to keep a cool atmosphere in patient's room. Applying a wet washcloth on the affected areas would be good. You may also try bath in lukewarm water, add some oatmealoatmeal in the water, which would help you in reducing the itching. Also, try calamine lotion on the affected areas, which would also reduce itching.
Usually chickenpox will not be a major problem, as your kid will be ok within 2 weeks time, and can again go to school! The scabs also will fall off within few days. To conclude, the best way is prevention, so make sure that your child gets the vaccine on time.
