Chickenpox-urgent help please

[KatyJ26]

Ok, so I think my 5 year old DD may have chickenpox.... I thought initially the cat had fleas but she now has 3 spots on her tummy and a high temp, feeling poorly etc. What medicine/cream do j need to get from the pharmacy before it closes?

Is it dangerous for a 3 week old to get it/would she get it? What is the incubation period?

Thanks in advance for your help

I do realise it might still be that the cat has fleas!

What do the spots look like? Chicken pox spots are typically tiny little pink blisters which gradually get bigger.

I would get some liquid piriton, some paracetamol and ibuprofen. Also possibly some calamine cream (rather than lotion which can dry spots out), also oats in bath water can help with itching.

Your 3 week old may be offered some protection if you're immune and breastfeeding; however I would contact OOH doctor for advice as newborns are at higher risk of complications.

Sorry, incubation period is 10-14 days iirc. However, in some cases it is considered necessary to give at-risk individuals an injection of immunoglobulin if exposed - your baby may not need this but better to speak to dr sooner rather than later.

Thankyou so much. I have sent DH to pharmacy and will phone NHS direct re my newborn

2 weeks incubation, watch for fever with the little one, but even if they get it odds are they'll be fine. I've known several tiny babies (under 2 months) who got thru CP fine.

DD3 had it at 3 weeks. It didn't occur to me that she might get it, because she was EBF, so I wiped the spot off her nose. Then realised what it might be (DD1 and DD2 had both just had it). She was fine, but I am sorry to say still has a massive scar where I wiped her nose.

Oh bloody hell, it never rains but it pours!!! Ah well, these things are sent to try us! I shall keep my eye on my 3wk old, rub cream on my 5yr old and wait for my 3yr old to catch it too- such fun!

Thanks for the replies

It could be hand foot and mouth which starts as a pin prick rash and blisters.

Virasoothe is good to relieve the itching. Alternatively, luke warm bath with oats/oat based products.

Hope your 3 wk old will not get it - did you get advice from NHS Direct?

NHS direct told me to contact out hours dr as newborns under 4wks are at increased risk of complications. Dr didn't want to see us or do anything as she is not showing any signs or symptoms herself- just have to keep a very close eye and take her in if she does get it.

Ds1 got it when I was in hospital having ds2. They checked my blood to see if I was immune before letting me take the new baby home. They said if I was immune (which I was) then the baby was not at risk. My 4 week old nephew got it but only had a few spots and was not unwell.