Category: Health

Chickenpox

Springtime is often chickenpox time. This common childhood disease, usually found in children aged 4-10, causes itchy spots to appear all over the body and is highly contagious, but unfortunately has a 10-21 day incubation period and a 1-2 day period where there are no symtoms, meaning it spreads very easily. The virus can be airborne, in droplets from coughs and sneezes, and found in the liquid that fills the blisters of the characteristic rash. Signs usually appear 10 days after exposure but it can be as long as 3 weeks.

 

Children may feel unwell or irritable, have a fever or achy muscles and lose their appetite. The rash usually appears first on the inside of the mouth and at the back of the throat before covering the head and body. It starts as small red pinpicks which turn to fluid filled blisters within 10-12 hours. The itchy blisters then scab over but more may appear for up to 5 days.

 

There is no cure for chickenpox, although there is a vaccine available, but most parents prefer to let their children catch it. The only thing you can do is try to relieve itching and prevent complications such as infection that come from scratching. The most common remedy is calamine lotion which is applied to the spots. It’s a good idea to cut nails short or wear gloves to make it difficult to scratch. Other remedies are filling a sock or pair of tights with porridge oats and putting it in the bath or adding sodium bicarbonate to the bathwater. If the rash doesn’t heal after a week or some spots appear to be growing an infection may have set in such as impetigo. Children often don’t feel like eating or drinking because the inside of their mouth is sore so offer plain or fruit ice lollies to soothe and combat dehydration.

 

It’s unusual for adults to catch chicken pox as most people have had it in childhood, but the virus can cause shingles so good hygiene is vital. Wash your hands frequently and bleach surfaces

 

The frustrating thing about chickenpox is often being cooped up indoors. It is very contagious and although often mild in children it can be serious in pregnant women and the elderly so going out and about is not advised. Children often feel perfectly well apart from the itching and find being kept inside frustrating. Sensory play can be a great way to distract children from the itching and incorporate treatment. Why not try body art with calamine lotion or water play in a soothing bath? Keeping hands busy gives them less chance to scratch and as it’s springtime get a head start on Easter with 9 nifty Easter activities or check out some previous suggestions for rainy day play.

Measles

What is measles

Measles is a viral disease which used to be very common in childhood. It is highly contagious, particularly among children. There have been recent outbreaks in Wales, spreading into Gloucestershire, and in Yorkshire.

What are the symptoms

The first symptoms of measles are similar to a cold – runny nose, sneezing, red and watery eyes. It may be accompanied by a dry cough. A child may also be sensitive to light, have a temperature, be generally tired, irritable and achey, and have little appetite.

Measles has a red/brown spotty rash which often starts behind the ears and spreads over the head, body and legs. You can find a picture of it on the NHS slideshow. This rash in conjunction with a very high temperature (over 100F°) and small greyish spots inside the mouth are key indicators for measles.

Why is it serious

Measles can cause other complications, such as vomiting and diahorrhea, conjunctivitis, laryngitis, ear infections and febrile seizures.

Less common, but more serious complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, croup, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis and hepatitis. Rare but very serious complications are infection of the optic nerve, which causes blindness, heart and lung problems, and a rare brain complication, which is fatal.

How can you treat it

There is nothing that can be done to treat measles itself. Any secondary infections may be treated with antibiotics. The best thing to do is to treat the symptoms individually.

  • Keep children hydrated and at a comfortable temperature. Use paediatric paracetemol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever.
  • If a child has a cough then humidify the room using a bowl of water. A drink of honey and lemon may help but this shouldn’t be given to babies under 12 months, as honey is not suitable for them.
  • Keep light levels low but closing curtains and using night lights instead of the main lighting in a room.
  • Clean sore and gunky eyes with cotton wool and warm water. Remember to throw away each ball as you use it so you don’t spread infection.

How can you prevent it

The only sure way to prevent measles is by vaccinating against it. This is usually done with the MMR jab which requires 2 injections at least 3 months apart, usually the first given between 12 and 13 months and another between 3 and 5 years old. If you need urgent protection because of an outbreak in your area or because you are travelling abroad an additional dose can be given to children under 12 months. Premature babies may have a special vaccination schedule.

As a nanny it’s important to make sure you are immunised against measles. If you are in any doubt whether you are immune or whether you need to be vaccinated, ask your doctor for a blood test, explaining that you work with young children and potentially pregnant women too.