If your child has an itchy, blotchy rash and is irritable, they most likely have chickenpox.
This is a common condition that mostly affects children, but as a parent you want to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.
However, there is currently a lack of all chickenpox treatments nationwide, which means it may be difficult for you to treat your child.
Sun columnist Dr Zoe Williams explained that poxyclin is not currently available, which is causing parents to “pull their hair.”
Last week, her two-year-old boy Lisbon began to develop a rash, and Dr Zoe quickly realized he had an infection.
To help other parents who may be battling red dots, Dr. Zoe has revealed her top tips for treating the disease.
ask around
You’ve scoured Tesco, Boots, and even tried your local pharmacy, but can’t see any products.
Dr. Zoe posted on Instagram that if you’re struggling to find lotion, you should turn to the people closest to you.
“Ask your family, friends and neighbours – many will have calamine lotion in their cupboards, collecting dust and you may find a hidden bottle of Poxclin, like gold dust.
“We were lucky enough to get calamine from a friend but not Poxclin.
“For those over 3, the alternative is Eurax cream. If you have dry skin, use an emollient – Aveeno has an oatmeal base.”
try alternatives
If you can’t use traditional products, then you should try Piriton for itching, says Dr. Zoe.
“We generally recommend non-sedating antihistamines in children, such as for allergies and hay fever, but a little sedation is welcome, especially at night.”
Oat Extract
If your child has chickenpox, chances are they will be irritated by the itching.
An oatmeal bath will help soothe their skin, and you can distract them with some bath toys.
Dr Zoe said: “Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and reduce itching.
“Put a handful of oatmeal in a sock/tight and put it on the faucet while you’re in the shower.
“The water should look cloudy. You can also dab the socks directly on the spots in the tub.”
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus and presents as a characteristic rash with blisters on the face that spreads down the body and extremities.
Although usually mild in otherwise healthy children, it can be more severe in pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals.
Children with chickenpox should stay home until their condition improves and the rash disappears.
This is a very itchy condition that can be distressing for small children, even if they don’t have many spots.
Before the rash appears, you may have a high temperature, pain and general malaise and loss of appetite.
Adults with chickenpox usually have longer symptoms and, in most cases, more spots.
It’s possible to get chickenpox more than once, but it’s unusual, the NHS says.
If you are concerned about any of your signs and symptoms, you should call 111 for advice.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
chop
Dr. Zoe also recommends that you keep your little one’s nails short.
You should wear gloves at night if they scratch while sleeping, she added.
In addition to the above, doctors say, you should give your child plenty of fluids, lots of hugs, and don’t worry that they won’t be able to go to school or daycare for a few days.
Do not do this
But Dr Zoe also warned there is one thing parents can’t do if their little one has chickenpox.
While you can take paracetamol for fever, pain or discomfort, you should not take ibuprofen if your child has chickenpox, she said.
Dr. Ranj Singh previously explained that ibuprofen should not be used – unless medically advised.
This is because ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that can react with chickenpox, causing it to penetrate deep into the skin tissue.
NHS guidelines state: “Do not use ibuprofen unless advised by your doctor as it may cause serious skin infections”.
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