Chickenpox season has begun!

It seems as if chickenpox infection is unpredictable, and to a certain extent it is. Yet there is a certain period each year when more children are infected. This is spring, the most beautiful season for many, but children still run an increased risk of chickenpox. Children mainly get it in the months of March, April and May the number of cases is 4 to 5 times higher than is normally the case.

How does your child become infected

Chickenpox is a very contagious infection, even before the rash appears. Two days before bumps and blisters are visible, children are already contagious. This makes it very difficult to prevent the contamination of other children. Many people think that chickenpox is only spread through skin contact but this is not the case. Contamination can take place in various ways, such as breathing in moisture droplets from another person. By sneezing, coughing and even talking, these droplets with the virus are released into the air, which means that children run the risk of becoming infected.  

The virus is located in the throat and nose of an infected person. In addition, children can also be infected through direct contact with the fluid from the bumps of someone with chickenpox. 

Treating chickenpox

There is no cure for chickenpox, but there are several ways to prevent itching and scarring.

• It is important to keep nails short and clean. Short nails make it more difficult for children to damage the skin. Dirt under the nails can be a cause of infections later on. It is therefore important to clean them regularly.
• It goes without saying, but eating healthy and drinking well are always good for healthy skin. The virus can cause your child to have less appetite for food.
• Chickenpox mouth sores are lesions on any of the soft tissues of the mouth and they can be annoying and painful. Serve (sugar free) popsicles or cold drinks to help soothe the pain temporarily.
• Itch treatments. These products ensure that children have less itching and will therefore scratch less. Scratching ultimately causes scarring and preventing this is therefore very important.
• Should the symptoms become too severe, does your child suffer from it for an unusually long time or do you doubt whether your child really has chickenpox? Then call your GP.