One of the oldest recorded childhood diseases is chickenpox, which just about every child has been exposed to at one time or another. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. An itchy red rash occurs all over the body, including the face, and usually spread over the body through scratching of the rash and then touching unaffected areas

If you look closely, the red bumps resemble pimples. They are filled with clear fluid that turns cloudy. When they eventually pop, they crust and produce scabs as they dry out.

Symptoms of Chickenpox

Those with chickenpox notice the rash and itching more than anything else. But, there are other symptoms that children may experience, such as fever, sore throat, headache or abdominal pain before the rash shows up. In rare cases, chickenpox can lead to serious bacterial or viral infections that affect the brain, joints and bones.

Chickenpox is highly contagious. If one child is afflicted, some parents expose other children so they all suffer together. If your child has chickenpox, don’t let them go to school as they can pass the virus to others until the bumps pop and scab over, which can take about a week.

Chickenpox can be both itchy and painful. Scratching seems to bring some relief, but then the pain starts from all that rubbing and scratching. Children and parents are miserable as they endure the five or seven days it takes for the condition to run its course.

Stopping the Itch

Here are some ideas to stem that itch and keep your child cool and comfortable.

* Use calamine lotion – This works for other itchy rashes such as poison ivy by drying out the skin. Rubbing your child down with it can provide temporary relief from pain and itch.

* Administer antihistamines – The itching is a result of the body’s reaction to the disease. The body releases histamine which lead to itching. Ask your pediatrician about medications that can block the release of histamines.

* Oatmeal baths – This is an old but very good remedy for chickenpox itch. Fill a tub with cool, but not cold water. Hot water can increase the pain and itch. Fill the tub with baking soda and oatmeal. If you have it, use pre-packaged colloidal oatmeal remedies. Allow your child to soak for about 15 minutes until they feel better.

* Use socks on the hands – It will be hard to keep children from scratching when they itch. Placing mittens or socks on their hands prevents scarring damage done to the skin

Chickenpox can become that much more unbearable when the itching begins. Above are some tips to help reduce the itch.