Chickenpox (chickenpox) is the most common acute viral disease. It is the most infectious childhood infection, so if your child is already a kindergartner, then you can’t avoid it.
Chickenpox is quite easy to infect, because the viruses that provoke it spread in the air, even penetrate through the ventilation openings and are transmitted by airborne droplets between children (as well as between infected adults) through the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and eyes.
The entire infection process (from the moment of infection to the manifestation of the first signs) lasts 1-3 weeks. But the patient becomes contagious from the first hour the virus enters the body. The child remains the carrier of the disease for one week.
Chickenpox in children under one year of age is a relatively rare occurrence, mainly it worries children aged 2-5. Such a disease is not particularly dangerous, however, it requires clear treatment rules and their strict observance.
The first signs of chickenpox in children
External manifestations and symptoms of chickenpox are easily recognized and quite characteristic of an infectious disease. But this is possible already in the late stage of chickenpox, when the incubation period has already ended.
Firstly, the baby’s temperature rises slightly (up to 38 degrees).
Secondly, the entire body of the child (as well as the scalp) is covered with a rash of pale pink color. After a while, the rash turns into vesicles with a clear liquid, with the formation of red skin around them. After a few more days, the bubbles are covered with crusts (which gradually dry out and easily fall off) and lose their transparency.
All new elements of the rash appear within 3-5 days, so at the same time on the baby’s body you will see crusts and spots.
Chickenpox in children up to a year affects the general condition of their body. Kids become lethargic, drowsy, irritable, overly capricious and lose their appetite.
But the most unpleasant in this disease is the constant and severe itching that accompanies the rash. Each child, as a rule, tries to comb pimples and, thereby, tears off the crusts. To explain to him that this cannot be done is practically impossible. But this can provoke infection in the wounds and their subsequent suppuration, as a result of which small scars can remain on the skin. Therefore, the child must be closely monitored, entertained and distracted from combing.
Chickenpox treatment
Chickenpox in children under one year old can occur in both mild and severe. This depends primarily on the immunity transmitted by the mother to the baby in the womb. That is why it is so important for pregnant women who have not had chickenpox to get vaccinated on time.
It is quite possible to treat chickenpox at home. The main goal of parents is to prevent a purulent rash. So, you need to observe the personal hygiene of the child.
Firstly, the baby’s clothes, as well as everything that surrounds him, should be clean.
Secondly, the baby’s nails must be cut short so that he, combing the problematic spots, does not bring himself an infection.
And thirdly, the baby must be distracted by all means from itching and the desire to scratch it. Herbal baths will help solve this problem, because they will maintain a clean body, and soothe itching.
In addition, you need to maintain a certain temperature in the baby’s room and prevent heat, because it helps increase itching.
Chickenpox in infants should be properly treated with an aqueous or alcoholic solution of brilliant green, as well as a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Judging by the latest medical data, this is done in order to monitor the intensity of the appearance of new elements of the rash, and not to control the spread of infection.
If the child's temperature rises significantly, then he can be given an antipyretic, and if he does not tolerate severe itching, an antiallergic agent.
Also, do not forget about the daily examination of the baby's head, its genitals and the condition of pimples under the crust. And if there is swelling and redness around them, and some kind of liquid is released from the inside, urgently call a doctor. Only a qualified specialist will be able to prescribe the optimal treatment.
Chickenpox in children under one year of age produces a stable lifelong immunity, that is, a second disease is no longer possible. Although there are rare exceptions.