Chickenpox is a miserable disease that causes both the children and parents a great deal of distress. It makes it difficult for the child to settle during the day or seen at night.
Allow me to debunk some of the myths surrounding chickenpox…
Myth: Chickenpox is a harmless childhood disease
Fact: 1 in 20 children will contract an ear infection as a result of chickenpox. Other rare complications include pneumonia, encephalitis and extremely rare complications include myocarditis, appendicitis, hepatitis, etc
Myth: Scratching causes scarring
Fact: Normally only very persistent scratching causes scarring and most scars will fade after a few months
Myth: If my child had chickenpox, he/she will never get shingles
Fact: Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and can be reactivated at some point since the virus doesn’t completely clear from the body. Around 1 in 5 children who have had chickenpox will develop shingles at some point in their life
Myth: Only adults or older persons get shingles
Fact: Any person of any age who has had chickenpox previously can develop shingles. Children under 12months of age who have had chickenpox are particularly susceptible. However, shingles most commonly occurs in persons over the age of 50.
Myth: There’s no protection against chickenpox
Fact: There’s a chickenpox vaccine against the varicella zoster virus
Myth: The best way to repress the fever caused by chickenpox is by cool sponging
Fact: Cool sponging causes a constriction of the blood vessels just below the skin if the water is too cold. This entraps heat deep in the body which can make the fever worse. It’s now advised to place the child in a gentle flow of air at room temperature such as near an open window. Paracetamol can also bring down the temperature. Do not give Ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs as these may increase the risk of developing serious complications
Myth: Certain foods such as shellfish or chicken can increase skin irritation
Fact: There’s no evidence available to support this claim
Dr. Favvy
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