Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox

Exclude for 5 days after the onset of the rash or until all lesions have dried and crusted over, whichever is later.

Vaccine

A common viral illness lasting approximately 1 week Incubation period is 10-21 days

Contagious from 1 to 2 days before rash appears until all blisters have scabbed over (about 1 week)

Rash of red bumps appears primarily on face and trunk as fluid-filled bubbles that break, weep, and scab

Rash can also appear on arms, legs, or any mucous membrane surface, such as the inside of mouth, throat, eyes, and vagina

Other signs and symptoms: Fever & Itching

Is spead by nose or throat secretions containing chicken pox virus, or by touching rash

Dry scabs are not contagious

One bout provides immunity

Vaccine available

Wear disposable gloves and wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves

Take temperature and treat for fever as necessary. Know your program's policy concerning the use of acetaminophen.

Notify parent

Encourage child to drink clear fluids

Bathe child in warm water with 1/2 cup baking soda or 1 to 2 cups colloidal oatmeat to relieve itching

Apply calamine lotion to relieve itching; avoid eyes

Call child's health care provider, who might recommend a medicine for itching

Trim child's fingernails or put mittens on infant to prevent scratching, which can infect open lesions and lead to scarring

Avoid giving aspirin

Notify child's health care provider if child is unusually uncomfortable, cannot drink, has persistent high fever, severe headache, or is disoriented

Watch for chicken pox to develop in other family members or playmates for 3 weeks

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