COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND CONDITIONS

CHICKEN POX

Chicken Pox bumps begin as red dots, then develop into a water-filled blister, and finally scab. They're very itchy and very contagious. Chicken Pox peak 2-3 days after the initial break-out. Your child may have a fever, look quite ill, and lose his appetite. Give him plenty of clear liquids and acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, Liquidprim, etc.). DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN. There is now a chicken pox vaccine available. Ask the doctor about it on your next regularly scheduled visit.

HOME TREATMENT/ITCHING SUGGESTIONS:

• Bathe in two inches of water mixed with 1/2 cup Aveeno Bath, corn starch, baking soda, or oatmeal. BE CAREFUL! The tub will be slippery Stay with your child while he is bathing.
• Rub Caladryl Clear lotion over most bumps. Use Vaseline on diaper area.
• Give Benadryl liquid or capsules in appropriate dosages every 4 - 6 hours to prevent itching. Use the dosing instructions on the package.
• Trim fingernails and cover hands with clean socks at night to prevent excessive scratching and possible infection.
• Use straws for drinking liquids if sores are present in the mouth.

Please remember that Chicken Pox is very contagious. Most children develop it within 10-17 days after exposure. Chicken Pox is spread from person to person 1-2 days before any bumps ever appear. Patients remain contagious until all of the pox are scabbed over, approximately 7-10 days after they appear.

CALL THE DOCTOR DURING REGULAR OFFICE HOURS IF:

• Itching is so intense your child can't sleep.
• An infant under 2 months of age develops the disease.
• Your child has improved and develops sudden, persistent vomiting.
• Your child acts unusually or excessively tired or confused.
• Your child has a persistent temperature of 102 degrees for over 24 hours.
• Your child has a persistent cough.
• Your child develops trouble walking.
• Your child develops a stiff neck.
• Bleeding occurs in the chicken pox.
• You observe dehydration signs