Mumsnet users share their tips for helping their child through chickenpox with PoxClin

[JustineBMumsnet]

This sponsored discussion is now closed.

It may not be front of mind for many parents right now, but chickenpox is an illness most children will get, making it almost a rite of passage. Despite this, having a child who doesn’t feel well - whether that’s with chickenpox or anything else - can be something that’s difficult to deal with. With children at home (along with almost everyone else at the moment) and feeling restless, as well as parents feeling stressed from juggling work and unexpected childcare, it can make the situation even more challenging. With that in mind, PoxClin Cool Mousse would like to hear your tips for helping your child and the family cope with chickenpox.

Here’s what PoxClin Cool Mousse has to say: “It is natural for parents to feel concerned about itching and scarring, in fact, 46% of parents say that stopping children from scratching is the most important thing for them when their child has chickenpox and 34% also worry about longer-term effects like scarring. It’s at times like this that support and advice from other parents can be invaluable. So, if you have some amazing parenting “hacks” to share, we want to hear from you!”

Do you have tips for helping to relieve their itching and scratching? Perhaps you have practical tips for keeping their mind off of it and making them feel cared for? Maybe you’ve picked up tips for helping your child when they have been poorly with something else that could be just as helpful if they came down with chickenpox?

Whatever your tips for dealing with chickenpox, share with PoxClin Cool Mousse below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

[BristolMum96]

Lots and lots of calamine lotion, very soothing. This product sounds excellent and I may try this too

[Tom92]

Cool baths and soothing cream helped relieve my child's chickenpox and just lots of encouragement not to scratch

[HRoosevelt]

Regular antihistamine, long sleeves and legs, trim fingernails and cotton only next to the skin

[Blizy]

Lots of oat baths and smothering skin with poxcilin, this was a life saver when my ds had the pox. He would get excited when he seen the poxcilin bottle as it brought him so much relief!

[raydeeo]

Two of my children didn't really seem to have the need to scratch when they got it. One only got a handful of spots, the other got loads. My youngest was young when he got it so scratching wasn't really a problem either. I used calamine lotion anyway and gave them all antihistamine everyday too.
When I had chicken pox I remember needing to scratch so badly! I was bathed in calamine lotion which I remember helping.

[Goingovertosusanshouse]

We did lots of cool oat baths. Seemed to make a difference to the mood. Both of mine had it in hot weather which made them more uncomfortable. Lots of rest time.

[TillyTheTiger]

If your child hasn't had it yet, get them vaccinated. Then you don't have to worry about scratching, scarring, more serious symptoms, taking time off work or infecting anyone vulnerable. You can get it done at superdrug or boots.

[Asuwere]

Lots of cool oat baths and being allowed to snuggle under their duvets on sofa watching TV seemed to help my DC.

[DaffodilsAreMyFav]

Oat baths (oats in a thin sock, knotted - held under running warm water so the bath water is good and cloudy), keep little one in for a good long soak. Fingernails kept short.

[Thiswayorthatway]

A porridge bath. Oats in an old pair of tights or muslin bag, floating in the bath.

[kiXh3wehq4tEX3X]

Thanks

[foxessocks]

Distraction was the main thing for us, which involved lots of films on TV and lots of puzzles and board games!

[Ribeebie]

Vaccination as @TillyTheTiger said

[HerRoyalCarbyLess]

lots of distraction, antihistamines and aqueous cream and calamine together (got it from the pharmacy and it wasn't as drying as just calamine so dd tolerated it better)

[Stargirl84]

Soothing gels and creams were the best for relieving itching. My top tip would be to let the child ‘paint’ their gel directly onto spots with a paintbrush themselves. Keeps them quiet for ages!

[Summergarden]

We used Poxclin mousse and Piriton to reduce itching.

[dyscalculicgal96]

Calamine lotion and distraction.

[Caillou]

My 3 children had it all at once, first 2 weren't too bad, but the 3rd (and youngest) had it bad, I found poxclin the best, as it was very easy to apply and then lots of love and cuddles were all they wanted.

[MakeTeaNotWar]

I also have them Piriton for relief

[emphasisofmatter]

My two kids got it quite young and then didn't scratch much which was handy. They didn't like camomile lotion 🤦🏻‍♀️ my youngest had it very badly and had to go to hospital. Tbh I look back and wish I had got them vaccinated privately.

[MrsFrTedCrilly]

Cool baths and cotton clothing helped her. Also filled up a spray bottle with water so she could mist herself if she was itchy

[IWouldBeSuperb]

Oat baths and lots of rest and distractions, new books, movie afternoons etc. worked for us.

[gingerbreadslice]

Oat baths, sitting in a cool room with the fan on no clothes on except underwear so they don't rub against the skin and cause itching

[Vinorosso74]

My DD had chicken pox at 9 months old and I had it at the same time (caught from the same person). I first tried calamine lotion which was just awful, messy and didn't touch the itch plus trying to apply on a wriggly baby was a nightmare!!!
Did a quick Google, discovered Poxclin had good reviews so sent DP to buy some. It cooled the itch straight away and was so easy to apply. I didn't think it would be as good but as I was trying it first hand on myself too realised it was.

[beeemria]

Hi all my experience with chickenpox has been plenty of honey to realse it out quicker and camomile lotion to prevent itching I wouldnt cover the child up as this causes more itching and could rise temperature but a soothing bath of oats and feeding of honey and if you suspect chickenpox look behind ears that's where it normaly starts and lots of love and smiles and encouragement for your little ones Goodluck if your dealing with this at this present moment however motherly insists do kick in and we are all fighters for our children ❤️❤️🙏🙏