Yet another emetophobic question, this time re. chicken pox

[twoisenoughmum]

My DS (3.1) has it at the moment. He's OK, bit more irritable than usual, not much appetite, but not really suffering. How much bicarb of soda to put in the bathwater? A teaspoon? A tablespoon? A mugful? Haven't seen any suggestions anywhere, just know bicarb recommended for the itching.

DD (5.11) has never had it, despite being exposed (via friends, nursery etc) loads of times. Fully expect her to get it now of course, but when? And DS had slight upset tum just before his spots started to come out and DD has upset tum today. Just diahorrea, no vomiting (yet). Could this be a sign that chicken pox is coming or am I destined for yet another sleepless night convinced she's going to barf?

DS started with the spots etc on Thursday so of course I'm fretting that today or tomorrow is too soon for sibling to get the spots and that she must have some entirely unrelated gastric catastrophe about to erupt.

Any advice?

Can't remember exactly what the incubation period is, but it's most infectious before the spots come out - it's spread by droplet infection ie sneezing. So dd may well get it now - have a look around her torso for raised 'bumps' or blisers about the size of a pinhead - these are what turn into the spots.
You can buy a box of bicarb in Boots - chuck in a small handful if you've got about 6" of water in the bath. Let them stay in for ages as it's really soothing. Then pat dry - never rub as you'll knock the top off the spots which will make them more likely to scar.
Whatever you do don't take them out anywhere they might come into contact with pregnant women - it's not well known but chicken pox can be fatal at certain stages of pregnancy. (Though of course most people get it as children)
Hope you & they have a comfortable night.