Chickenpox Flashcards
What are 6 symptoms of chickenpox?
- Small blisters surrounded by irregularly shaped patches
- Starts with small red
- lumps (papules) → fluid containing blisters (vesicles) → rupture, forming crusted spots.
- Intensely itchy
- First form on the body then spreads to head and limbs
- Ulcers may develop (for example, mouth and vagina)
Does chickenpox require a counselling room?
Yes
What are 5 red flags for referral with chickenpox?
- High fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain.
- Severe headache/ vomiting.
- Pregnant women.
- Infants under 1 month.
- Immunocompromised patients.
Does chickenpox have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Chickenpox)
What is the mainstay of treatment for chickenpox?
Symptomatic treatment (Self-limiting) Usually clears in 7 to 14 days and good hygiene is important to avoid secondary infection.
What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment combination for chickenpox?
Paracetamol, fexofenadine, Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite) and Pinetarsol Bath Oil (Pine tar 2.3% w/w)
What is 1 non-preferred product for chickenpox and why?
Calamine lotion: dries out the skin
What are the directions for paracetamol in chickenpox?
15 mg/kg (up to 1,000 mg) every FOUR to SIX hours. Maximum of 60 mg/kg (up to 4,000 mg) in 24 hours.
What are the directions for Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite) in chickenpox?
Apply liberally to lesions as needed. Best kept in fridge for soothing effect.
What are the directions for fexofenadine in chickenpox in adults and children over 12 years?
180 mg ONCE daily
What are the directions for fexofenadine in chickenpox in children 2-11 years?
5 mL (30 mg) TWICE daily when required
Is Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite) safe in pregnancy?
Yes
Is Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite) safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite)?
Safe in all ages
Is paracetamol safe in pregnancy?
Yes
Is paracetamol safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for paracetamol?
Safe in infants over 1 month
Is fexofenadine safe in pregnancy?
Yes, although there is more experience with sedating antihistamines.
Is fexofenadine safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for fexofenadine?
Safe in infants over 6 months, but only for chronic urticaria in children under 2.
Is Pinetarsol Bath Oil (Pine tar 2.3% w/w) safe in pregnancy?
Yes (although there is limited data)
Is Pinetarsol Bath Oil (Pine tar 2.3% w/w) safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for Pinetarsol Bath Oil (Pine tar 2.3% w/w)?
Safe in all ages
What are 9 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for chickenpox?
- Rest
- Increase fluids
- Lukewarm baths to help soothe the skin
- Keep the area nice and clean
- Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection
- Wear loose fitting clothing’s for extra comfort
- Kids can return to school when lesions have scabbed over, temp is normal, and sense of well-being returned.
- For kids, keep fingernails short to minimise skin damage from scratching
- For babies, putting on mittens helps to prevent damage to the skin when scratching
Which patient group(s) is chickenpox most severe in?
Chickenpox is more severe in adults and in the immunocompromised
What is the incubation period of chickenpox?
Incubation period is about 14-16 days
What is the infectious period of chickenpox?
An infected person is contagious from 5 days before the onset of rash, until the last blister has dried out
Describe the risk of chickenpox in pregnancy.
If a pregnant woman who never had chickenpox before, contracts chickenpox, she may become seriously ill (for example, pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis).
Describe the relationship between chickenpox and shingles in terms of transmission.
A person who is not immunised against chickenpox and never had chickenpox before, can contract chickenpox from a person who has shingles