Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is a highly contagious viral disease that is spread by direct contact or breathing in germs from someone’s cough or sneeze. Two weeks after exposure, chicken pox spots appear on the body.

The following symptoms will occur 10-21 days after exposure to chicken pox :

• Low grade fever.
• Runny nose, slight cough.
• Decrease in appetite.
• Headache.
• Tired, rundown feeling.

These symptoms usually occur 24-48 hours before the spots appear on the body.

When the spots first appear they will start on the chest, back, or face, and eventually are seen over the entire body.

The spots may occur in the mouth as white ulcers, and as ulcers in the ears and eyes.

Treatment

• Baking soda bath.
• Calamine lotion as needed to skin.
• benadryl liquid or capsules taken by mouth for itching.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever above 102 degrees (No Aspirin).
• For sores in mouth, rinse with warm water – hydrogen peroxide mouth rinses.
• Keep the sores clean by bathing daily. If the sores look infected. wash them well and apply Neosporin or Bacitracin ointment 4 times a day. Call the doctor again if your symptoms are persistent.