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Children's health

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Original poster

Just a couple of questions about chicken pox....

15 replies

Ceebee74 · 23/01/2009 19:23

Firstly, if your DC have chicken pox, do you have to take them to the doctors - even if they seem quite well apart from the spots?

Secondly, how long does it usually take before the red rash turns into the pus-filled spots? Is it hours/days??

Just wondered as DS1 is covered in what currently look like insect bites..he had a couple this morning but they have increased over the day - would the ones he had at 8 o'clock this morning developed further if it was chicken pox? Also it will be Monday before I can get him to a doctors when presumably he will be on the mend anyway (other than the Out-of-hours one) so is it really necessary?

OP posts:

ComeOVeneer · 23/01/2009 19:27

Ds had chicken pox 2 weeks ago, the insect bites turn to blisters within a couple of hours, they appeared over several days. I called the doctors but they most def did not want him in unless the spots became infected, as obviously they have vunerable people in the waiting room.

Get in some oats for the bath and some piriton, calpol (although ds was so mild we needed very little medication)

Original poster

Ceebee74 · 23/01/2009 20:00

So if his spots look exactly like they did 12 hours ago, does this mean that it might be another rash rather than chicken pox? They still look like insect bites...

I never thought about the issue of taking them to the doctors where there are vulnerable people but it makes sense - not as if they can treat it in anyway is it?

OP posts:

gemmummy · 23/01/2009 20:05

when my ds had the chicken pox it took a day or two to become blisters, we didn't take him to doctors, just used calpol and calamine lotion and tepid baths seemed to help the itching. he was 8mo when he got them but he was fine, a few restless nights but that was about it x

PinkFurryStripeyTiger · 23/01/2009 20:07

Hi ceebee
No they can't treat it, but it may be helpful to get a definite diagnosis if you are still unsure by monday. If you ring in advance they will put you in a separate room to wait in (treatment room or somesuch).

Definitely get some Piriton, whatever the rash is.

Original poster

Ceebee74 · 23/01/2009 20:46

Thanks ladies - am just clutching at straws that DS1 doesn't have it because he hasn't got the blisters!

DH is away all next week which means I would be at home with DS1 and DS2 all week as DS1 wouldn't be able to go to nursery or even go out [panic emoticon]

OP posts:

changer22 · 23/01/2009 20:51

Ceebee - I'm with you. 2 DDs with small insect bite type spots over them at bathtime. DD1 has 3 children from her class off with chickenpox, 1 of them developed it during the day at school yesterday so a distinct possibility.

I should know what I'm looking for as DS had it albeit 6 years ago but I just remember him covered from head to toe in the blisters.

DH is abroad next week too and I'm pregnant - joy of joys. Better now thought than when the baby is here!

Original poster

Ceebee74 · 23/01/2009 20:56

Changer - maybe we should hold each other's hand next week

DS1's nursery also said they had a few children off with the pox so, again, not looking good!

Tbh, I think I would rather be pg then have a 9-week old baby and a 2.6 year old who is insistent on inflicting pain on the baby whenever he gets the chance - the only time DS2 gets to relax is when DS1 is at nursery or in bed

OP posts:

changer22 · 23/01/2009 21:30

We can do a daily spot count!

Off to the shops this weekend to stock the fridge and cupboards.

changer22 · 23/01/2009 21:32

We can do a daily spot count!

Off to the shops this weekend to stock the fridge and cupboards.

Dozymare · 23/01/2009 21:35

We had CP last year - it took 2/3 days for the spots to pus over, but our first ones were on the body first, then the face. Plus, I DID take the DC's out. Wrapped them up very warm and went to the park during school hours for a run around as they were both fine apart from being spotty. We were the only ones in the park, but they needed the fresh air after being cooped up for so long.

Original poster

Ceebee74 · 24/01/2009 16:25

Changer lol at the daily spot count - unfortunately DS1's lovely lovely face has too many to count now - not so many on his body though.

Dozy thanks for the advice - I will definitely be taking out my 2 boys for a walk/play wather permitting - otherwise will go stir crazy! Can you really not take them to the supermarket??

OP posts:

changer22 · 24/01/2009 20:07

Not going too badly here. Spots on trunk and legs only so far... And only one DD too.

We've been asked to be especially vigilant (and cautious about being out and about) as there is a local child undergoing chemo here and he wouldn't be able to cope with the infection as well . It's one thing taking them out when you don't know they have got chickenpox but when they have it, it's good to stay away from people.

skay · 24/01/2009 20:15

Hi Ceebee

I had to take DD2 to drop DS1 to school when she came out in chicken-pox. Sometimes you can't help it. He had the chicken-pox before her. So he was on the mend and back at school when she came out with it.
Had a couple of friends drop off DS and pick him up for the first few days, and then I started to do the school run myself.

Original poster

Ceebee74 · 26/01/2009 16:36

Changerhow is it going?

Today has been ok - nursery have confirmed DS1 can go back on Friday so 1 day down, 3 to go!!

I think it is made worse by the fact DH is away until Thursday night so it is just me and my 2 DS's - I think I will be talking to the walls by the time he gets home

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changer22 · 26/01/2009 21:18

It's not too bad here. DD does have one on her eyelid so her eye is swelling up. Apparently my MIL doesn't have any bottom eye lashes due to chickenpox so I'm hoping that's not going to happen to DD! They're just starting to come out on her face and in her armpits. She admitted scratching the ones in her hair but promised to leave the others alone.

She's very chirpy but she looks very pale, almost yellow. She looks like an urchin but she's quite enjoying looking over herself in the mirror. We're off out to lunch tomorrow at a friend (who's had it, her children are at school) so I'm looking forward to a change of scenery.

DD2 is getting grumpy...

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