About chickenpox
About chickenpox
Chickenpox mostly affects children, but you can get it any age.10
It usually gets better by itself after one to two weeks without needing to see a GP.10
- MANAGING CHICKENPOX
- WHEN TO REFER
The main symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, spotty rash that can present anywhere on the body. Before or after the rash appears, the following symptoms can also present:
A high temperature
Aches and pains
Generally feeling unwell
Loss of appetite10
Paracetamol-based medicines can be recommended for children who have pain and fever. Ibuprofen should not be used (unless under the direction of a doctor).10
Tips you can share with parents/carers to help manage chickenpox include:10
Ensure the child drinks plenty of fluids to keep hydrated
Cut the child’s fingernails and put socks on their hands at night to stop them scratching
Dress the child in loose clothes
Consider use of antihistamines to help itching
Bathe in cool water and pat the skin dry instead of rubbing
Use cooling creams or gels
Finally, parents and carers should be advised to keep children away from school, nursery or work until all spots have formed a scab (usually around five days after the spots initially appear).
Pharmacy team members should refer to the GP if:10
The skin around the chickenpox blisters is hot, painful and red
A child has chickenpox symptoms and is dehydrated
Chickenpox symptoms suddenly get worse
The child has a weakened immune system and has been near someone with chickenpox
A parent/carer thinks their newborn baby has chickenpox