Chicken pox

Question 1

Chicken pox - symptoms (6)

Answer 1

Itchy spots over body - can be blisters or crusting over
Rash
Fever
Body aches
Mild pain
Low mood

Question 2

Chicken pox - extra questions (4)

Answer 2

Other children have similar symptoms
How bad is the pain
Do they have a fever
Is the skin hot to touch

Question 3

Chicken pox - explanation of diagnosis

Answer 3

Viral infection that is spread easily amongst children which normally clears up within a week or 2

Question 4

Chicken pox - causes

Answer 4

Viral infection

Question 5

Chicken pox - first-line treatment (product, how it works, how to use it)

Answer 5

Paracetamol for pain and fever, dose depends on age of child, liquid formulation, no other paracetamol products
Calamine lotion to relieve itching - apply with a cotton pad to affected areas of skin as required

Question 6

Chicken pox - lifestyle (7)

Answer 6

Try and stop the child scratching, ensure their nails are trimmed
Dress child in loose clothing, cotton clothes
Bathe in cool water and pat skin dry
Use gentle products
Avoid ibuprofen
Adequate fluid intake
Avoid contact with other children and pregnant women until spots have crusted over

Question 7

Chicken pox - when to refer (4)

Answer 7

Skin feels hot to the touch
Adults - usually more severe
Shortness of breath
Persists for longer than 2 weeks