chickenpox - my 3rd old has got it and i don't know anything about it! help!

[xenabelly]

hi all

Just noticed that my 3yr old has got 7/8 blisters all over her body. Have looked on the internet and they definately look like the chicken pox rash, plus there is a big notice at playschool saying there are 5 cases of chickenpox in the school - so think we can safely assume that's what they are.

What do I do? What shall I expect? She has got a bit of a cough and a cold but she's not scratching (yet) or ill - she's charging round as usual. How long does it last? Will she get spots all over her? Can she still go to playschool?

I've also got a 9wk old baby, i read on internet that if babies get it , it's more serious and i have to take him straight to doctors at first sign...

Realise that chickenpox isn't serious and that she was bound to get it sooner or later but just wanted to know what to expect in next few days...

p.s - i'm itching all over since noticing the blisters but think i'm just imagining it!

Is your baby breastfed? I don't think breastfed babies tend to get it...

I think the day or two before the spots come out can be the worst, in that child feels illest then. Now it is just a question of managing the itching and keeping away from other people who might catch it. The latest I heard is that you only need stay in for 5 days after the spots appear, so not too long to wait. She can't go to playschool until then.

It's almost always better for her to get it now rather than when she is older, if that's any help

i gave my son children's piriton syrup, bicarb of soda in his bath and calamine cream. the pox party thread recently mentioned rare serious complications. i found it very restful as he was in bed asleep for 2 days