How to treat Chicken Pox
Apr 16th, 2009 by Jane Blogs
Calamine lotion & bicarb baths are out!
We’ve all learnt something new about chicken pox this week, so I thought I’d share it in the hope that it would save your child some suffering.
The new information on how to treat chicken pox is to keep the skin moist, to avoid sores drying out and scarring. This also helps to stop some of the itching.
So, since calamine lotion and bicarb soda are drying agents, they’re no longer considered the best treatment.
We chose a combination of products to help the Bump get through this week of major itching.
1. An antihisthamine
This helps to reduce the rash by limiting the body’s reaction to toxins.
We chose Phenergan, because of its’ sedative qualities, and gave the Bump the recommended amount for sedation. It didn’t put him to sleep (but that’s just him), but it did relax and calm him.
2. A bath additive
Soaking in something to soothe and moisturise the skin will stop those itchy sores from becoming dry and itchier.
Pinetarsol was recommended by our local chemist (who is also a friend), and although it turns the bathwater a “pee-yellow” colour, it’s been very effective. It took the redness right out of the Bump’s sores, and he had a pretty good night’s sleep afterwards.
3. A lotion
Something to relieve the itch and moisturise the skin between baths is important, too.
Our chemist friend told us that Pine Tar is the best product for this, and we can use it afterwards to treat the kidz’ excema and mozzie bites.
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We haven’t had chcken pox in the house for quite a number of years *touch wood* so I didn’t know that calamine lotion isn’t to be used anymore.
And your yellow bath water looks gross! lol
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[...] Explanation here. [...]
You’re just lucky you haven’t had to bathe in it at 1am with a needy little 5yo.
- On two consecutive nights.
We haven’t had chicken pox with the littlies yet but thanks for the information, will tuck it away for future reference!
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My sister used to have a bath in Pinetarsol a lot when she was little, when her eczema was at its worst. Hope the kids are recovering well.
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@ Tiff ~ Fingers crossed for you… but I’m glad I could help.
Thanks Nic, luckily, it’s just the Bump so far.
Wren will probably get it just in time for term 2 of school…
We’ve avoided the dreaded spots so far, but thanks for the update on treatments. I had heard about the anti-histamine, but didn’t know that Calamine was now a no-no.
I’m sure I heard years ago about using oatmeal in the bathwater to help sooth the itch, but I’ve never had to try it and I’m not quite sure how it would work (not to mention the fact that I would never be able to eat porridge again).
Here’s hoping that you are all spot free soon.
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great info post Jane- he is still adorable
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Great tips you have there. I remember I had chicken pox when I was 10. Can’t stop scratching the itch!!
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