Chicken pox query

[LadyOfTheManor]

I'm 6 months pregnant, and have had chicken pox as a child. My dh hasn't had it before, despite being exposed.

My ds (16 months) came out in spots today and was sent home from the child minder. Does this mean he was most contagious 48 hours ago or is he still contagious and should I be sending my dh away for the weekend?

Am I likely to catch it twice? I know it's not great to be pregnant with the Pox/Shingles but I'm not too sure of the facts.

Have used to search on here but it doesn't answer my question.

[K999]

It's contagious till the spots scab over I think. It is possible to get them twice and your DH may catch them although it could present as shingles.

[Gonzo33]

I think your ds would have been contagious prior to coming out in spots, and up to the spots blistering over. However, I would contact your MW/GP Surgery just to be sure. Recommendations change so frequently that it is probably best to do so.

[apple99]

You are contagious for about 7 days before the spots actually appear as far as I can remember. Dd had chicken pox in Feb, I was about 12 weeks pregnant and rang my midwife who assured me that as I has already had it as a child then there was no risk to the baby. I think the only time they worry is if you are near your due date as there is a risk that the baby could be born with it.

[apple99]

Oh yes and still very much contagious until all spots have scabbed over.

[LadyOfTheManor]

Ok that's fine.

Hmmm when is it safe to send him back to the child minder? He caught it from her daughter, but she had a little boy there today who's mother didn't want him to catch it so she rang me to collect him. When would be the recommended time to send him back into society?

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Most nursery and CM policies say that thy can't return until all of the spots have scabbed over, what does your CM's sickness policy say

[LadyOfTheManor]

I'm not too sure where the bloody contract is. Have asked dh to ring her to find out. She's away the week after next so it's really only this week pending...I know I'm entitled to "take a holiday", but not too sure about notice I have to give to her.

Is it safe to put BiCarb in the bath as advised by older women?

[LadyOfTheManor]

Ok, great thanks.

CM said he can go in, no problem apart from a Thursday afternoon when this particular little boy is in so that's good news.

DH is away from tomorrow to Sunday morning so hopefully will miss some of the time.

Am I to expect normal viral reactions? Headache/temp? Any update on BiCarb in the bath?

[picnicbasketcase]

Something that worked when my DS had chicken pox was filling a water permeable bag (eg, cutting the foot off a pair of tights and tying the top) with porridge oats and putting it in the bath as the water ran. No idea where I got that from, but it helped the itching. Baking soda also works.

[LadyOfTheManor]

Porridge oats, really? How bizarre! Will try it tomorrow. He isn't scratching yet but it's only a matter of time!

[Atwaroverscrabble]

I chucked half a tub of bicarb in eacj of dd's baths the other week when she had CP and it really helped, she had loads of spots around her bits and being in a nappy all day made it itchy, dd is 20 months btw.... I also used calamine cream kept in the fridge and some chixken pox spray that is usually £8-9 but i got in the 99p shop! She loved being masaaged with both!

[spacecadet1]

Currently have a 1 year old with pox (having caught it from his 5 year old brother) so have had 3 weeks of the dreaded pox. Yes bicarb in the bath is good for drying the spots out (not too hot a bath) & definitely do the porridge in an old pair of tights/pop sock. The oats go all squishy & slimy but DS1 said it made his spots stop itching & think it dries them out too. Avoid washing with soap/shampoo as it can make more itchy. I was advised to get aqueous calamine cream rather than calamine lotion (which makes you more itchy) so got that for DS1 but went to get more for DS2 & think the whole area must have the pox so couldn't get any. Anyway, Boots recommended a foam called Poxclin which I've used on DS2 (who is covered from head to toe & was so itchy & grumpy) & from the 1st time I put it on him he's stopped itching. It was £10 so pricey but couldn't have gone on with him as unhappy so small price to pay - definitely recommend it. Also piriton is good to stop the itching.

All the advice as to when no longer contagious is bit conflicting but wait til all spots have scabbed over. We've been in the house for 4 weeks now & starting to go stir crazy. Took ages for DS1 to get all his spots but DS2 got all his over few days. He's finally crusty so we can go out, hooray!

I'd think if your DH was going to catch it that he would have it by now (can have it for up to 21 days before spots appear). If you had it you're unlikely to catch it again (but it is possible) but you can't catch shingles from chicken pox so you won't get that (little comfort!). Do you know if you had it mildly cos I think that's when you're more likely to catch it again. Maybe speak to your midwife for reassurance.