If there is one thing about Chickenpox that we know well, it’s the fact that it’s got nothing to do with Eating Chicken!
The good news is, the illness is one that nearly all children bounce back from, in due course of time. There’s no denying, though, that the first symptoms of chickenpox in babies can cause alarm bells to ring! Perhaps it’s because, back in the day, the word ‘Chickenpox’ was far more common than it is today. Needless to say, the introduction of the Chickenpox Vaccine in 1995, has played a major role in reducing the recorded cases of chickenpox.
In this blog post you will find everything ranging from the Effects of Chickenpox, to the Medicine for Chickenpox for your Child. Further, you will learn to pinpoint the common Signs and Symptoms of Chickenpox in Babies, so that you are well prepared to battle this disease! Ready to get started? Let’s begin, with a look at the Causes of Chickenpox in Babies!
Chickenpox: Its Cause in Babies
Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease that is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus. This disease is closely related to ‘shingles’, on account of the fact that it’s the same virus that’s responsible for both diseases.
The good news here is, an attack of chickenpox is generally ‘mild’ when it comes to babies. The bad news is, it does cause pretty unpleasant symptoms. Like, that itchy red rash that doesn’t seem to go away!
So, how is chickenpox spread? There are two ways this virus can spread from one infected person to the next.
- Getting in contact with sneeze and cough droplets. Remember Covid? You want your baby to stay away from a person who has chickenpox, too!
- The fluid from an infected person’s blisters. Yet another reason you want to keep your child far away, from a person that has chickenpox.
Effects of Chickenpox: The Signs and Symptoms of Chickenpox in Babies
The first symptoms of chickenpox in babies might be panic-inducing, but they can bring about a sense of relief, too. After all, knowing the monster you’re dealing with, makes it far easier to treat the infection. The following are some of the effects of Chickenpox in babies.
- Flu-like symptoms
- The Rash
- A change in eating habits
- Drowsiness
In most instances, when your baby catches the flu, it’s going to be just that: Flu, that is! In some instances, though, that flu is but a precursor of the more terrible condition that is chickenpox.
Note: This ‘flu’ typically appears around 1-2 days before the characteristic ‘chickenpox rash.’ That being said, not all children develop those flu-like symptoms before the rash breaks.
This one’s the ultimate telltale sign of chickenpox. Red in colour, it usually starts on places like your child’s chest or face, and then spreads to other parts of the body.
Note: Apart from being ‘red’, the rash is ‘crusty’ and ‘itchy.’ Initially, it is characterised by ‘tiny bumps’. In around a week’s time, these are going to naturally progress towards becoming pus-filled blisters. If they burst, pus leaks out from those blisters, and they are then relegated to becoming ‘open sores.’
Tip: You want to ensure your infant does not scratch those blisters too much, to prevent them from rupturing and causing pus to ooze. That might only result in the infection becoming graver than it already is.
Fact: That chickenpox virus has been silently living in your baby’s body for up to 3 weeks, before it has heralded its arrival with that ‘invasion of bumps.’
Your child is not going to be as hungry as they were, before that outbreak of chickenpox. Don’t worry too much if their eating habits go haywire at this time. It’s a natural progression of the disease.
Is your baby sleeping far more than they normally do? This one’s another classic, ‘early’ telltale sign of chickenpox in babies.
Home Remedies for Chickenpox in Infants
The good thing about Home Remedies, is the fact that there’s one for just about any infection out there. Oh, and that includes Chickenpox, too! If you’re looking for Medicine for Chickenpox for your Child, these home remedies are as effective!
- Using Calamine Lotion
- Oatmeal Bath
- Applying Neem Paste
All you need to do is dab the lotion onto the affected areas of your baby’s skin that are causing all that itching.
Don’t worry, bathing them using oatmeal will not spread the infection from one place to the other. All you have to do is ground oatmeal in some hot water, before having your baby soak in the mixture for a while.
In India, the medicinal properties of the Neem plant have been known for years. Simply crush some neem leaves into a fine paste, before applying it to the affected areas.
Note: It is important to bear in mind that while adults might be given medicines like antiviral drugs for chickenpox, medicine for chickenpox for your child is not required. When it’s your baby involved, you don’t even want to give them acetaminophen, to bring that fever down.
Chickenpox in Babies: Prevention Tips
Why let your baby get chickenpox in the first place? Here are some cool tips, to help prevent your child from getting an outbreak of this terrible disease.
- Take that chickenpox vaccine
- Keep them well away from people with chickenpox, even if it is only ‘suspected’
- Wash their linen every couple of days
It’s really that simple. We all took the Covid vaccine. Why not ensure our baby gets the Chickenpox vaccine on time? Reach out to your paediatrician, to get more information relating to the vaccination schedule.
It might seem a bit harsh, but you want to keep your child away from people who appear to have a mysterious red rash. Until it’s proven that it’s not chickenpox, you don’t want to take your baby anywhere around them!
A great way to nip the spread of that bacterial infection in the bud.
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