Chicken Pox

The following is important information on Chicken Pox:

The varicella virus that causes chickenpox can be highly infectious, even among those who have been vaccinated. Just because your child has been vaccinated, that DOES NOT mean they will not get Chicken pox. The vaccination is not 100% effective, in fact it can be as low as 71% effective and the longer the time between vaccination to exposure, the greater the chance of infection.

Please watch carefully for the following symptoms: tiny, clear blisters with redness around them, which soon form crusts and scabs. The parts of the body on which the rash first appears are the scalp, face, chest, and abdomen. It spreads to the arms and legs. Rash and fever begin at about the same time on the first to second day. When the fever stops, new blister formation stops. The severity of the illness varies from mild to moderate.

Treatment is supportive: Benadryl or antihistamines to relieve itching. Skin care is important to prevent secondary bacterial infection especially a daily bath. Apply calamine or Caladryl lotion to the affected area or paste of baking soda and water to relieve the itching. Keep fingernails short and clean and apply mittens if the child scratches a lot to prevent scarring.

The incubation period is about 2 to 3 weeks from exposure to the onset of the disease. Children are contagious from one day before the onset of the fever until the drying of all crusts (usually 6 days after the appearance of the rash). If your child has symptoms of Chicken Pox, please contact your family physician as soon as possible.

Your child MUST STAY HOME until they are no longer contagious, in other words: for at least 6 DAYS after the appearance of the first pox AND until all the pox marks or crusts are dried or completely scabbed over.