Chickenpox
is a highly contagious illness, caused by the varicella virus, that
is common in children. It causes an itching skin rash with blisters
and they may have a raised temperature. The infectious period lasts
from about three days before the rash appears until all the blisters
have formed scabs. The incubation period between being infected with
chickenpox until the disease breaks out and symptoms appear is 10 to
20 days. Once a child has had chickenpox, they will have immunity to
the disease for the rest of their life. However, the virus may return
later in life as shingles.
Anyone
with chickenpox should stay at home while they are infectious. They
should avoid scratching the blisters because of the risk of
infection. Cut finger nails short or make the infected child wear
gloves. Keep the child in cold surroundings, as heat and sweat may
make the itching worse.
Consult
your doctor if:
- your
child has a high fever (above 38.50C)
and feels unwell
- the
blisters get very weepy or swollen
- your
child is coughing or has breathing problems
- your
child is stumbling readily or getting drowsy
- attacks
of chickenpox itching disturbs the child's sleep
- for
cosmetic reasons you are concerned about scars not healing
At
Richmond Practice we offer vaccination against chicken pox from 12
months old. Children tolerate it very well and it can prevent
outbreak of the disease if administered up to five days after
contact. For maximum protection we recommend two injections, 6-8
weeks apart.
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