Chicken Pox Flashcards
What pathogen causes chicken pox?
Varicella-zoster virus
When are chickenpox no longer contagious?
When all spots have crusted over.
What medication can be recommended for chicken pox?
Piriton - chloramphenamine syrup for itching in children >1 year. Drowsiness side effect may be advantage if itching affecting sleep.
Paracetamol - for pain and fever
Calamine lotion or cooling gel such as virasooth - no evidence but people seem to find it helps. However, calamine lotion may actually make itching worse once it dries.
What are common symptoms of chicken pox?
- Small red/pink spots anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth.
- Spots become blisters which are very itchy and may burst.
- Blisters become scabs which can be flaky or leaky. Scabs usually develop 5 days after spots appeared.
Also, fever, aches, appetite loss, and generally feeling unwell.
Who should avoid being exposed to chicken pox?
Immunocompromised
Pregnant women
Newborn babies
What product should NOT be recommended for chicken pox?
Ibuprofen - risk of delayed soft tissue healing which can make situation worse.
What counselling would you give for chicken pox?
Drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration.
Try using ice lollies if child won’t drink.
Avoid scratching as can cause scarring.
Cut child’s fingernails or put socks on their hands at night to stop scratching.
Bathe in cool water and pat skin dry
Dress in loose clothing
Take child out of school until non-contagious
How is chicken-pox spread?
Very contagious - can catch it just by being in the same room.
Spread by touching things that have blister fluid on.
Can you get chicken-pox twice?
Yes but its very rare
Can you catch shingles from someone with chickenpox?
Not technically.
If you’ve had chickenpox before, the virus stays in the body, and exposure to the virus again can trigger it and can lead to shingles. However, this can also happen from stress or certain medications such as chemotherapy.
Can you catch chicken pox from someone with shingles.
Yes.
