Health Information
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Chicken
Pox
Chicken Pox is a
highly infectious illness easily recognized by the distinctive rash that it causes, which
occurs mainly in children.
What to look for
Chickenpox, a viral illness
characterised by a very itchy red rash, is one of the most common infectious diseases of
childhood.
People who have had
chickenpox develop lifetime immunity. But the virus remains dormant in the body. People
who are wishing to start a family are advised to become vaccinated against this disease
before doing so.
Causes
Chickenpox is caused by the
herpes zoster virus. It is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by contact with
the clothing, bed linens, or oozing vesicles of an infected person. The incubation period
is 7 to 21 days; the disease is most contagious a day before the rash appears and up to 7
days after, or until the rash forms scabs.
Traditional Treatment
Chickenpox is extremely
contagious. Keep your child home until most of the vesicles are dry and scabs have fallen
off.
Your paediatrician may
prescribe an antihistamine, to relieve pain and swelling. Antibiotics are called for if a
secondary bacterial skin infection arises or if an adult with chickenpox contracts
bacterial pneumonia.
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Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Herbal Therapies - For
itching: Add 1 gram each dried rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis) and calendula (Calendula officinalis) to
1 litre water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for five minutes. Strain, discard the herbs,
and allow the wash to cool. Press a washcloth dampened in the solution to the child's skin
after a bath. The wash can be reused for three days if refrigerated. For
itching: Add 1 gram each dried rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis) and calendula (Calendula
officinalis) to
1 litre water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for five minutes. Strain, discard the herbs,
and allow the wash to cool. Press a washcloth dampened in the solution to the child's skin
after a bath. The wash can be reused for three days if refrigerated.
Homoeopathy -
Consult a Homoeopath for appropriate remedies and dosages for children. To relieve
itching, Rhus toxicodendron is often
prescribed. Sulphur may help when the vesicles are
burning. Consult a Homoeopath for appropriate remedies and dosages for children. To relieve
itching, Rhus toxicodendron is often
prescribed. Sulphur may help when the vesicles are
burning.
Personal Care -
Trim your child's fingernails or cover her hands with socks or mittens to keep her
from scratching, which could lead to infection as well as to possible scarring.
Trim your child's fingernails or cover her hands with socks or mittens to keep her
from scratching, which could lead to infection as well as to possible scarring.
Prevention
Pregnancy Concerns
If you have not had
chickenpox and are exposed to the virus while pregnant, contact your doctor
immediately.
When to seek further
professional advice
you think your child has
chickenpox.
the rash produces a
greenish discharge
your child is recovering
from chickenpox and begins running a fever, vomiting, has convulsions
an adult family member
gets chickenpox
you are pregnant, have
never had chickenpox, and are exposed to the disease.
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Ken Hobson
