Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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What are chickenpox?

A virus causes chickenpox. Most likely, your child was around a child with chickenpox about 2 weeks before. Here's what you can expect:

• At first, you'll see small, red bumps. These bumps may become thin-walled water blisters.
• After that, you may see cloudy blisters or open sores.
• In about a day, you may see them turn into dry, brown crusts.
• More and more red bumps will crop up all over your child's body for about 4 or 5 days.

The disease can spread to other people until all the sores have crusted over. Most of the time, all the sores crust over about 6 to 7 days after the rash starts.

How can I take care of my child?

• Itching. Give your child a cool bath every 3 to 4 hours. Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda to the tub of water. If the itching is very bad, or keeps your child from sleeping, give your child Benadryl. You can get this antihistamine at your drug store. You don't need a doctor's order.
• Fever. If your child has a fever of 102ƒ or more, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin.
• Sore mouth. Give soft foods and cold fluids. For babies, use a cup instead of a bottle. The nipple may hurt. Stay away from salty foods and citrus fruits. You can also have your child gargle or swallow 1 teaspoon of an antacid after meals.
• Preventing infected sores. Trim your child's fingernails short. Also, wash your child's hands with an antibacterial soap often during the day.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• Your child has red skin, red streaks, or red rash.
• Your child starts acting very sick.

Call your child's doctor within 24 hours if:

• A scab looks infected (gets larger or drains pus).
• The fever lasts over 4 days.
• The itching is very bad and doesn't get better when treated.
• You have other questions or concerns.