Important Information: Chicken Pox

As you are aware, we have a pupil with an immune deficiency disease. The following guidelines regarding chicken pox are very important:

If your child has chicken pox, we ask that you would:

- inform the school secretary

- keep them at home until they are no longer infectious, which is until the last blister has burst and crusted over.

Some additional information:

What is Chicken Pox?

Chicken pox is a common childhood illness that features a rash of itchy red spots that turn into fluid filled blisters and eventually form scabs and drop off. Some children have just a few spots while others are covered in them. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, is most common in children under ten and is easily spread in nurseries and schools.

Although chicken pox is common, it can leave your little one feeling rather uncomfortable with itchy red spots. They usually clear up in a week or so, but it can be dangerous for some people, including pregnant women, newborn babies and those with a weakened immune system.

What are the signs and symptoms of chicken pox?

Before the spots appear many children have mild flu-like symptoms including: 

• a headache 
• a temperature (in the 38.3° to 38.8° region) 
• feeling sick
• aching muscles
• clusters of small itchy red spots commonly starting on the back, belly or face and later moving to the scalp, chest, arms and legs though they can appear anywhere - even in the mouth, genitals and ears. The spots can appear worse in children with eczema. 

The spots quickly become blisters and are at their itchiest 12-14 hours after they appear. New spots appear in waves for three to five days. They generally clear up within a week or two of scabbing over. It's worth noting, your little one is contagious until all the blisters have scabbed over, which is normally five to six days after the rash first appeared. 

What should you do if your child has chicken pox?

When it comes to treating the chicken pox and helping your baby feel more comfortable, try the following: 

• Use paracetomol to relieve fever and discomfort. The NHS urges parents NOT to use medications containing ibuprofen as these can make those suffering with chicken pox feel much worse. 
• Use calamine lotion and cooling gels to soothe the itching and dress your baby in loose cotton clothing. 
• Pat the skin rather than scratching it - it's important to try and discourage your toddler from scratching as this can cause problems later on. 
• Stay hydrated. 
• If your toddler has blisters in their mouth, sugar-free ice-lollies are particularly soothing.