flashcards_chickenpox
What general advice should be given for managing chickenpox?
Encourage adequate fluid intake, dress appropriately to avoid overheating or shivering, wear smooth, cotton fabrics, keep nails short to minimize damage from scratching.
What are the PACES tips for explaining chickenpox diagnosis and management?
Explain the diagnosis, seriousness of the condition, effective antibiotics, hospital admission for treatment and monitoring, possible long-term complications (hearing loss), follow-up with paediatricians in 4-6 weeks, offer ciprofloxacin prophylaxis for contacts, support from Meningitis Now.
What symptomatic support is recommended for chickenpox?
Paracetamol for pain/fever (avoid NSAIDs), topical calamine lotion for itch, chlorphenamine for itch if aged 1 year or older.
When is the most infectious period for chickenpox?
1–2 days before the rash appears, continuing until all lesions are dry and crusted over (usually around 5 days after onset of the rash).
Who should chickenpox patients avoid contact with?
School, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, infants <4 weeks old.
When should a chickenpox patient be admitted to the hospital?
If there are serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, dehydration, bacterial superinfection, or purpura fulminans.
What should chickenpox patients be advised to do if their condition deteriorates or complications develop?
Seek urgent medical advice.
What is the management for mild-moderate chickenpox disease?
General advice (adequate fluid intake, appropriate dressing, smooth cotton fabrics, keeping nails short).
What is the management for severe chickenpox disease in adolescents?
Consider oral aciclovir 800 mg 5 times a day for 7 days if adolescent (aged 14 years or older) who presents within 24 hours of rash onset.
What should be done for neonatal chickenpox?
Seek immediate specialist advice.
What is the treatment for immunocompromised children with chickenpox?
IV aciclovir for 7 days if they present within 24 hours of the onset of the rash or if the chickenpox is severe. PO valaciclovir may be substituted.
What is the preventive measure for immunocompromised children exposed to chickenpox?
Human varicella zoster immunoglobulin for high-risk immunocompromised individuals with deficient T cell function following contact with chickenpox.
