Chicken Pox?

[ecstatica]

Hope someone can help. Have called the surgery to see if Dr could have a look at my 3.5 year old but they said if it is chicken pox he can't come and that the doctor will call at some point.

Last week DS3 (3.5) wasn't well and turned out to be viral infection (sore red throat with temp), was fine for a couple of days after and now have noticed red spots on his neck, stomach (only a couple) and a few on his back. The ones on his neck are very red and appear to have scab like top on a few of them. Have just noticed one appear above his eyebrow! Cheeks rosy red, temperature 37.6, just slightly higher than it was a few hours ago.

Just wondered if this appears to be chicken pox from anyone's experience. His brothers have never had it and I'm PG but have had it.

Any advice pls? Grateful.

It does sound a bit like it. Chickenpox spots seem to look like red pimples at first, then they form clear fluid-filled blisters which then burst and scab over. I think they tend to form the blisters within hours so if you're not sure yet you should be later.

Sounds like the pox to me.

Do they have a fluid centre?

It does sound like it I think, are they really itchy too?

Thanks for replies.
The ones on the neck - yes, two appear to be fluidy.
If it is chickenpox will the others get it too?

Have only seen him have a 'scratch' at those neck ones but no serious itching IYSWIM -- i'm wondering if doctor is ever going to call back. Worried.

They probably will but it might take a while. Incubation is 2-3 weeks I think so siblings might have it later. DS's first spots appeared exactly 2 weeks after DD's spots had appeared.

It is contagious but I think it's just the liquid that spreads it - I am sure someone will come along who knows better! Scratching the spots open cam cause little scars, so try to stop this! We used to use calamine lotion.

Oh joy! Thanks for letting me know Alma, you must've had your hands full!

I'm worried to do anything with the spots because I'm not yet clear on what they are although everything seems to point to the pox.
Am even unsure how the doctor can make any decision/diagnosis over the phone -- we seem to be getting one thing after another in this house!
thank you all.

it is an airborne virus, so can be caught by being in the same room, not just via the spots. incubation period is 21 days.

Get some Piriton and use calamine emolient (thicker and stays more easily). You can use piriton alongside paracetamol to keep the temp down.
I've always been led to believe you are most contagious even before the spots show so your other children may well have caught it already and you just won't know for another 2 weeks potentially.

Dd also got hers 2 weeks after ds had his. It sint too bad an illness usually, both mine had fevers and LOTS of spots but were ok in themselves. Dd was more itchy but she was only 14m.

Bicarb of soda in the bath helps.

Thank you for all the replies.
It is Chicken Pox -- met the doctor after hours to confirm.
He seems to be okay -- thank you all.

Can i suggest calomine aqueous cream instead of lotion much easier to apply and an old pair of tights stuffed with porridge oats and put in the bath is soothing and stops itch. My two had CP over xmas!.