Download the entire Caring for Children document in PDF format here.
- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by a virus called varicella. It can occur at any age and generally occurs in winter or early spring. Symptoms may begin one to three weeks after exposure to someone who has the disease.
Symptoms of chickenpox include a rash, and sometimes cold-like symptoms and fever. The rash begins as small red spots starting on the body and spreading to the face, arms and legs. Within hours, the spots become larger and form small blisters. New batches of eruptions occur over three to four days, and the blisters crust over. The scabs peel off and disappear gradually. The rash may be painful, but is more often extremely itchy.
Treatment of chickenpox occurs at home. Acetaminophen can be given for pain or fever. Never give aspirin to a child with chickenpox. A cool bath can help with itching, and baking soda (1 to 2 tablespoons) can be added to the bath water. Calamine lotion can be placed on itch spots after each bath. Benadryl may also help relieve itching. Discourage itching and keep fingernails short and clean to prevent a bacterial infection.
Children are contagious for one or two days before the rash begins. They are no longer contagious when all the sores are covered with dry scabs, usually in five to seven days. Children should stay home from daycare or school during this time and should be kept away from other children who have not had chickenpox.
A vaccine to protect against chickenpox is recommended for all healthy children between twelve and eighteen months of age. Older children who have never had chickenpox may also receive the vaccine. Protection from exposure is important in newborn infants, because they can have a very severe illness.
Your child should see the pediatrician if:
- Any of the sores drain pus or develop large tender red areas around them.
- Fever or cough lasts more than four days.
- Difficulty to awaken, confusion, stiff neck or severe headache is present.
