July 18, 2012

How to Kick the Chickenpox Blues

Most get it when they’re young. It’s red. It’s itchy. It’s spotted. It’s chickenpox! Although getting the chickenpox is almost a childhood rite of passage, it’s not a pleasant experience. It’s not fun for the child, and if you’re the parent, you feel helpless. Luckily, there are ways to assuage an afflicted child without making a trip to the doctor when the inevitable occurs. Consider the recommendations below for treating kids suffering from chickenpox.

  • Give the child Tylenol. Especially in younger children, chickenpox can be accompanied with a fever. The flu-ish symptoms will arrive a day or two before the actual outbreak and can last for as long as the red blisters. Tylenol and medicines comprised of acetaminophen reduce fever and other adverse symptoms.
  • Give the child an oatmeal bath. The chickenpox is associated with notoriously itchy red blisters. Oatmeal is known for its soothing effects on the skin, relieving the itch. Put about a half cup of oatmeal into a coffee filter and tie it so it’s sealed. Draw a hot bath and put the package into the water. You can squeeze the bag to release the soothing liquid.
  • Cut the child’s nails. The blisters corresponding with chickenpox can get infected when children scratch them. To reduce this possibility, make sure the child’s nails are short. For babies, putting mittens on them will stop them from scratching.
  • Provide fun and distraction. The main issue with chickenpox in children is keeping them distracted from the pain and itching. Offer to buy the child a video game or board game to sidetrack him. It’ll keep him from scratching the blisters and raise his spirits.

Children can receive vaccinations when they’re a year old that can prevent severe chickenpox. If none of the above suggestions help with the child’s symptoms, a doctor can provide medicines to lessen the ailment.