What should be paid attention to when children have chickenpox?

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease, and when there are no complications, treatment generally focuses on symptomatic relief. During illness, isolation should be maintained to prevent infection and enhance care, such as frequently changing underwear, trimming the child's nails, and wearing gloves to prevent scratching. Keep the air well-ventilated, provide sufficient fluids and easily digestible food. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, antibiotic treatment should be administered. The child should be isolated until all the rash has crusted over.

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Written by Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
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When to get the chickenpox vaccine?

Chickenpox primarily affects infants and children, and the target group for chickenpox vaccination is mainly 1-12 years old. During this age period, most children enter preschool or elementary school institutions, and the chickenpox virus is highly contagious, transmittable through droplets and contact. Once one child contracts chickenpox, the surrounding children are almost certain to be infected too. Additionally, since there are currently no effective medications to cure chickenpox, it is best to vaccinate within this age range, namely 1-12 years old. Adults can receive the chickenpox vaccine without age restrictions. The timing can be decided based on individual circumstances, but it is generally recommended to get vaccinated before the onset of the peak season for chickenpox, which is best before the spring and winter seasons.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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The Differences between Chickenpox and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Chickenpox and hand, foot, and mouth disease are common infectious diseases in young children. Chickenpox is a febrile rash disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Its rash mainly manifests as maculopapular, vesicular, and crusted lesions, which appear simultaneously. Generally, these are primarily seen on the face and trunk with a centripetal distribution. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is mainly caused by viruses, such as enterovirus EV71 or Coxsackievirus A16. It causes a febrile rash disease with rashes typically found on the hands, feet, and around the mouth. Rashes on the chest, back, and face are relatively rare. Thus, the main clinical presentations of hand, foot, and mouth disease and chickenpox are the different forms of rashes.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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What should be paid attention to when children have chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease, and when there are no complications, treatment generally focuses on symptomatic relief. During illness, isolation should be maintained to prevent infection and enhance care, such as frequently changing underwear, trimming the child's nails, and wearing gloves to prevent scratching. Keep the air well-ventilated, provide sufficient fluids and easily digestible food. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, antibiotic treatment should be administered. The child should be isolated until all the rash has crusted over.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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What fruits can you eat with chickenpox?

When children have chickenpox, they can eat foods and fruits rich in vitamins, such as kiwis, apples, and cherry tomatoes. During chickenpox, it is important to maintain a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding overly greasy and spicy foods. If the chickenpox is particularly itchy, topical calamine lotion can be applied to help relieve itching and prevent scratching, which can lead to infections. It is necessary to treat children with antiviral medications, as chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Precautions for Children with Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, which is more common in children but can also occur in adults. The peak season for this illness is spring. Therefore, after children contract chickenpox, it is crucial to isolate them to prevent contact with other children or the elderly, as it can spread to others quickly. Typically, conventional antiviral medications are sufficient for treatment. If fever occurs, it is advisable to take some fever-reducing medications appropriately. It is also recommended to have a light diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water. Adequate rest is important, and if small blisters appear on the body, avoid scratching them to prevent infection and more severe symptoms. Generally, this disease confers lifelong immunity, meaning there is no recurrence after the initial episode.