Chicken pox and seeing the GP

[Mummyfizzy]

I think my 16 month old DD has chicken pox. She had a temperature a couple of days ago of 39 and yesterday and today a few spots have appeared on her back, arms, bottom and face. She doesn't seem too poorly though and isn't itching. Yet.

I phoned the GPs and the nurse called me back. She agreed it was probably chicken pox but said she couldn't give me an appointment because chicken pox was highly infectious and they didn't want to see her at the surgery. She said I could use calamine lotion on DD if I really wanted to and sounded quite surprised when I suggested giving her calpol.

I'm not really worried as DD doesn't seem particularly unwell but I just wondered what other people's experiences have been? It would have been nice to be reassured it is actually chicken pox and I'm not a) being cooped up in the house for days for no reason and b) I know she has definitely had chicken pox for future reference. Did you see a doctor when your DCs have chicken pox?

[ChablisLover]

are the spots raised blisters with liquid in them? Google chickenpox and look at the images or look up NHS website.

I agree with the nurse as chickenpox is highly infectious a doctors waiting room full of sick people would not be the best place for your DD. Neither the other patients or the doctors would thank you. Sorry to be harsh but anyone who has a compromised immune system who hasnt had then would be so vulnerable.

My DS had them last week and he was fine in himself no temperature and in good form and remained at home (or at his granny's) he did not go out anywhere else. he was bored useless but needs must

I recommend Virasoothe gel and an antihistamine rather than calamine.

[HortenMarket]

Hi. I saw a doctor when DD1 one had c pox. Went when she had about 6 spots behind her ears and one on her back. She was really fine. Then a day later she was absolutely covered, hot and uncomfortable. I was glad we had a definite diagnosis and also the doctor had recommended piriton if it was itchy, calpol and bathing in oats! The last one really helped (I put a spoonful inside a sock and dumped it in the bath). C pox blisters are really obvious, they look like a sort of yellow dew drop to start. So you are usually pretty sure if it is or isn't. Don't forget it can be harmful to certain people, especially pregnant women who haven't had it and people with suppressed immune systems, so I can sort of understand why they would prefer you not to go in to the GP and possibly infect vulnerable people. On the other hand if she was really bad or unhappy you would probably take her anyway.

I also took DD2 who had a strange rash last summer that was most like C pox but not a typical rash. GP and I couldn't work out if it was or not!

So, to summarise after rambling, yes I did take them!

[hazeyjane]

If you do have to go to the gp (eg if spots look in any way infected, there are any spots by the eye) then ask to wait in a room away from others.

[gamerchick]

They probably won't itch yet but please don't use calamine.. It doesn't help.

The itching is caused by the histamine the body makes in response to the virus.. get some piritin instead. Bicarb soda for in the bath and calpol if needed.

[bigwellylittlewelly]

I was also told that ibuprofen can make spots more painful?

Hope she is well again soon.

[sausagefortea]

I took my Ds when he had CP. It hadnt crossed my mind it was CP at the time - I thought it was an allergy. GP was quite short with me that we'd come as they can't really do anything and its such a risk to other patients (immuno compromised, pregnant women). It can be life threatening to them so not worth the risk. It was pretty obvious the following day it was CP as my DS was covered and spots were very clear pus filled dew drop like. Definitely calpol if there's a temp. Calpol and ibuprofen if its a bad temp (my DS suffered quite badly). Calamine cream was ok. And tepid baking soda baths every few hours if they're upset. Think there's stuff in the chemist now specifically for CP itching as well.

[hazeyjane]

Paracetamol is the preferred painkiller for treating the associated symptoms of chickenpox. This is due to a very small risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, causing adverse skin reactions during chickenpox nhs uk

don't use ibuprofen if your dcs have chicken pox, stick to paracetamol.

[goldenlula]

I didn't see the doctor with ds1. It was very obvious it was chicken pox when I saw to the spots as they had already started to blister (unfortunately I hadn't spotted them before school as they were u def his vest). I think you will definitely know and really only need to see the doctor if there are any complications. For example, if ds2 gets it I am going to have to be careful due to him having major problems with skin infections for a year, so there is a risk of the spots becoming infected so should that happen I would need to see the doctor.
I know how you feel about not being sure, dd has had one small spot come up on her which had a blister on it. The blister burst when I touched, a lot easier than the blisters on ds1's blisters did (used calamine and aqueous crea and rubbing that on did not burst the blisters) so I am unsure if she has it but we are staying in. The spot is also tiny in comparison with ds1's.