Chicken Pox (Varicella)
Time from exposure to illness (incubation period): 10–21 days.
Signs and symptoms
- Raised temperature.
- Clusters of small pink raised spots all over the body and inside the mouth, which develop into small blisters that break and form crusts.
See your doctor first for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment at home
- For itchy skin, apply a soothing lotion from your pharmacy. If severe, an oral anti-histamine will help.
- Use paracetamol for fever or pain.
- Bathe in luke-warm water with an anti-itch liquid soap additive or oatmeal.
- Inform the parents of any children who your child may have been playing with up to 2 days before the first spots appeared.
- Keep away from others for at least 5 days after the first spot appears, or until all blisters have crusted over. People who have been in contact don't need to stay home.
- Encourage your child not to scratch.
- Clip fingernails short. Try using mittens or gloves for young children.
- Change sheets on bed or cot daily.
