Chickenpox in children

Chickenpox is a common disease in children. But what exactly is it and what can you do to treat chickenpox. You can read all about it in this article!

What are the chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by a highly contagious virus. Most people get chickenpox as a child. For example, 95% of all adults before the age of 6 have already suffered from this virus. Children who get chickenpox usually won't get it again later in life, because once you've had it you will likely to be immune to the disease for the rest of your life.

How do you get infected

Chickenpox is very contagious and it can spread through schools like wildfire. The virus can be transmitted from person to person by directly touching the blisters, saliva or mucus of an infected person. Contamination therefore takes place both through contact and through the air. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, you can inhale small droplets containing the virus.

Phase 1

After infection, it takes up to 3 weeks for symptoms to appear. Chickenpox usually starts with a mild fever and drowsiness.

Phase 2

Itchy blister-like rash becomes visible. About 2 days before this happens, your child is already contagious to others. The red blisters and spots remain contagious until they crust over.

Phase 3

The blisters dry up and scabs appear. As soon as the blisters dry out and flake after about 8 days, it is no longer contagious. Then you can let your child go to school with peace of mind!

Symptoms of chickenpox

In the first instance, there are often no serious consequences associated with chickenpox. The bumps and blisters eventually become very itchy, which is annoying. But it is usually not more than itching, mild fever and drowsiness. However, children often scratch hard to relieve the itch. This can lead to wounds or even scars that are permanently visible. That is why it is important to avoid scratching as much as possible. In rare cases it can have serious consequences, in such cases it is important to get medical treatment.

How can you treat chickenpox?

There is currently no cure for chickenpox. However, there are products that reduce itching and thus help prevent scarring. A product like Kidsner Alexia helps with this, the cooling foam softens and cares for the skin, so that children are less likely to scratch the bumps and blisters. In the long term, it can therefore help prevent scarring.

Duration of chickenpox

The virus is contagious before it is visible, namely from 2 days before the appearance of a skin rash. After these 2 days it takes about 8 days before it is no longer contagious. The moment all the bumps have completely dried up, your child is no longer contagious. This can also take a little longer for some children, because it differs per child.

When to see a doctor

If your child is younger than 3 months, you should get in contact with your GP as soon as possible so a doctor can assess them. It is also wise to contact your GP if the disease gets worse, such as a reduced appetite, vomiting, shortness of breath or constant crying. This can be the start of a more intense experience than children normally have. It is then important to act quickly. This way your child can be helped as best as possible.

How to deal with itch and scratching

Scratching itchy spots is one of the worst things you can do when you have chickenpox. It is important not to scratch in order to minimize the risk of infection and avoid scarring. One way to stop the scratches and to help prevent skin infections is to keep fingernails short and clean. You can also have your child wear mittens or cotton socks to prevent scratching. Popsicles may help reduce the itchiness and pain in the mouth. Furthermore, you can try to distract your little one as much as possible by playing a game or reading a book.

You can also use Kidsner Coco Cooling Foam for chickenpox which cools the skin. The cooling of the skin reduces the urge to scratch, preventing possible further damage to the skin. The foam also contains moisturizing ingredients that soothe the skin and keep the hydration optimal.