Chickenpox spreads among children very easily and is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. This virus quickly turns into an incredibly itchy rash that spreads from the waist and upwards to the top of the scalp. If chickenpox is caught as a child it is normally mild but as people get older the symptoms can be much worse.
Chickenpox typically shows up between ten and twenty one days after exposure to the varicella-zoster virus. Four million people a year contract chickenpox in the United States.
The symptoms of chickenpox are: running a mild fever, small blisters that develop into scabs, itchiness, headache, rash, pain in the abdomen, no appetite, cough, sinus drainage and a sore throat.
Chickenpox easily spreads between children because it is highly contagious. It can be caught by touching the rash or through the air when somebody sneezes or coughs. One of the big dangers is that it can spread for several days before the rash even appears. This is a big reason why so many people become infected. There is no reason to keep themselves isolated if they do not know there is anything wrong with them.
Healthy kids normally do not even need to see a doctor. They can usually get better by drinking plenty of fluids and sleeping it off.
If the rash starts to bother the eyes or is warm to the touch then you should go to the doctor right away. Also, if the body temperature goes above 103F, purging, tremors or loss of muscle coordination then you should get to the doctor or hospital without delay.
You can help to stop the itching by applying calamine lotion to the skin. Make sure that the skin stays cool by using compresses and giving your kid regular baths in lukewarm oatmeal water. It would not hurt to give your child some tylenol to help with the pain. Make sure that you stay away from aspirin, though. It might increase the risk of Reye's disease.
Lemon Balm, Scullcap and Echinacea purpurea are all herbs you can use to help soothe the nerves as well as give their immune system a strong boost. Marigold, Witchhazel and Chickweed are all good choices to help stop some of the itch. Be sure that you let your doctor know you are using natural remedies and use whatever they might have prescribed in addition to it. Your child will be up and at it in a matter of days with a little tender loving care from you!
Author Resource:-
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist & natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural home remedies & healing techniques for common health, emotional ailments & conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
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