Can you give antihistamines for chickenpox?
|
Chickenpox usually runs its course in 5 to 10 days. But if you have the itchy rash caused by the virus, that can feel like a very long time. Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to ease your symptoms while your body heals itself. If
you or your child has a high fever or achiness caused by chickenpox, reach for the Tylenol. It can even help relieve pain associated with sores that develop on your skin or in your mouth. It’s safe for most people, including pregnant women and children over
2 months old. Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers, like ibuprofen. If you have chickenpox, it can make you very ill. Never give aspirin to children under age 16. It can lead to a serious complication called Reye’s syndrome. Yes, it’s tempting. But scratching
your rash can put you at risk for a bacterial skin infection. It could also cause scarring. Try these tips to calm your itchy skin: Heat and sweat make you itch more. Use a cool, wet washcloth on
super-itchy areas to calm your skin. Drink lots of fluids to help your body rid itself of the virus faster. It’ll also keep you from getting dehydrated. Choose water over sugary drinks or sodas, especially if you or your child has chickenpox in the mouth. Sugar-free popsicles are a good choice, too. Avoid hard, spicy, or salty foods that can make your mouth sore. If you’ve been exposed to someone who has chickenpox but doesn’t have symptoms yet, your doctor may give you an injection of a treatment called immunoglobulin. It can help prevent severe chickenpox. Your doctor may consider this therapy if you’re: Newborn babies under 4 weeks old are also at increased risk for complications from chickenpox. If you’re at risk for severe chickenpox and already have symptoms, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication called
acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax). It can help to make your symptoms less severe. You’ll take the first dose within 24 hours of developing the rash. Then you’ll take a tablet 5 times a day for 7
days. OverviewChickenpox is a common disease caused by the varicella virus. It causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters (pox) on the skin all over the body. Your child also can have blisters on the scalp and in the eye. Chickenpox is most contagious from 2 to 3 days before the rash forms until no new blisters form and all the blisters have crusted over. That may be 7 days or more after the blisters first appear. It may take up to 2 weeks for the scabs to go away. Most children feel better within a week. You can care for your child at home. Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes. How can you care for your child at home?
When should you call for help?Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter X359 in the search box to learn more about "Chickenpox in Children: Care Instructions". What is the best antihistamine for chickenpox?If your child is over the age of one, you can try giving them an antihistamine, such as chlorphenamine. You can buy this over the counter from a pharmacy. Chlorphenamine is more commonly known by brand names such as Piriton, Allercalm, Allerief or Hayleve.
What medicine should be avoided during chicken pox?Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products to relieve fever from chickenpox. The use of aspirin in children with chickenpox has been associated with Reye's syndrome, a severe disease that affects the liver and brain and can cause death.
Can you use Piriton for chickenpox?*Piriton Syrup may be used by children over the age of 12 months to relieve the itchy rash of chickenpox. Adults can also get chickenpox, so may also find Piriton helpful for relief of the itchy rash, however be aware that adults with chickenpox may experience more serious symptoms that should be treated by a doctor.
What helps relieve itching from chickenpox?Both wet compresses and cool baths may be most effective at relieving itching when they're done every three to four hours for the first few days of chickenpox symptoms. Calamine Lotion Applying dabs of calamine lotion to chickenpox blisters may reduce itching. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes.
|
