Page 44 - GreenBook

F. CHICKEN POX T

Most children are protected against chickenpox by the vaccine. Chicken pox is a ^
benign, self-limiting disease caused by a virus. The incubation period (time from ^
exposure to first symptom) is from 2 to 3 weeks. It usually begins with no
symptoms or a low grade fever with mild malaise, which is then followed by the ^
classic rash. The rash starts as small red bumps but rapidly over hours
develops into distinct and obvious watery blisters. The rash can occur anywhere „

on the body including the genitalia. These blisters will breakand form a scab or ^

small crater. New blisters may form for several days. The rash is very itchy. n

Home Care: I
^
• Bathing with baking soda (1/3 of a box) or Aveeno added to lukewarm water P
H
can besoothing. Hot water makes rashes itch more. p

• Fingernails should be cut short to prevent excessive scratch marks. ^
• Application of Vaseline to the vaginal area may be helpful if burning occurs.
• Benadryl may be given by mouth to control itching but avoid topical skin

products that contain Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
• Calamine lotion applied to the skin may also help soothe itching.

Sometimes scratching lesions can lead to infection.

• If a chicken pox lesion appears to be larger, more red and draining pus call

our office.

Chicken pox is contagious from 2 days before the rash appears to 6 days after
the first lesions appear.

DO NOT GIVE YOUR CHILD ASPIRIN DURING CHICKEN POX. This

association has been linked to Reye's Syndrome. Tempra or Tylenol may be

used.

Teenagers and adults who have never had chicken pox, as well as younger
children whose siblings have chicken pox are at greater risk of developing
severe illness. Acyclovir may be used to decrease severity but has only been
shown to be effective ifgiven within 24 hours of appearance of the rash.

G, COLDS

Colds in infancy and childhood are very common. In general, they do not evolve

into serious illnesses. The following are useful tips in taking care of infantswith

colds;

• A rubber suction bulb or ear syringe (purchased in a pharmacy) is
inexpensive and can be used to remove mucus from your infant's nose,
especially before feeding or at bedtime.

• To loosen mucus, salt water nose drops can be used. They are made up by
using 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 4 ounces of lukewarm water, or commercially
prepared products such as Ocean or Nasal can be purchased. Put 2 drops
in each nostril, one nostril at a time, wait a few seconds and then remove
the drops and the loosened mucus with the bulb syringe. This may be
repeated as often as necessary to keep your infant eating and sleeping
comfortably.

• Many infants spit up and even vomit when they have a cold. More frequent,

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