Chicken Pox Pictures :
Home Remedies :
- Since chickenpox infection can cause intense itching it is essential to trim the fingernails and wear gloves on the hands to prevent scratching.
- Cool compress can be applied on the itchy areas of the skin. Soft cloth dipped in cold water can be gently massaged on the blisters to reduce itching.
- Alternatively calamine cream can be applied liberally on the affected parts of the skin.
- While taking bath add little baking soda in water to get quick relief from itching.
- Avoid eating hot and fried foods while having chickenpox.
- The patient should remain isolated and other members of the family should not share anything during this period.
- Clothes and bedding of the concerned person should be thoroughly washed in hot water and dried in sunlight.
- Antihistamine drugs like Benadryl can be taken to manage itching.
- Remember not to take aspirin while having chickenpox since it may lead to complicated disease known as Reye’s syndrome.
- Your child may refuse to eat or drink if he develops blisters in the throat or oral cavity. Ensure that the child is not starving and encourage him to drink plenty of fluids of his choice to prevent dehydration.
- Any person (child or adult) should not leave home while having chickenpox since the virus is highly contagious. You can think of sending the child to school after the last spot has completely disappeared from his body.
Prevention :
The only way to prevent chickenpox is by getting vaccinated with varicella vaccine. Each child should receive 2 doses of this vaccine. The first dose will be given during 12-15 months and the next dose anywhere from 4-6 years. In many developed and underdeveloped countries this vaccine has become mandatory in the routine immunization schedule. For children who are doubtful or missed the second dose can take 2 shots of vaccine at three months interval. Adults who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated can also take 2 doses of varicella vaccine at 4-8 weeks interval.