Chickenpox

Question 1

What are 6 symptoms of chickenpox?

Answer 1

1. Small blisters surrounded by irregularly shaped patches
2. Starts with small red
3. lumps (papules) → fluid containing blisters (vesicles) → rupture, forming crusted spots.
4. Intensely itchy
5. First form on the body then spreads to head and limbs
6. Ulcers may develop (for example, mouth and vagina)

Question 2

Does chickenpox require a counselling room?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

What are 5 red flags for referral with chickenpox?

Answer 3

1. High fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain.
2. Severe headache/ vomiting.
3. Pregnant women.
4. Infants under 1 month.
5. Immunocompromised patients.

Question 4

Does chickenpox have a PSA self-care card?

Answer 4

Yes (Chickenpox)

Question 5

What is the mainstay of treatment for chickenpox?

Answer 5

Symptomatic treatment (Self-limiting) Usually clears in 7 to 14 days and good hygiene is important to avoid secondary infection.

Question 6

What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment combination for chickenpox?

Answer 6

Paracetamol, fexofenadine, Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite) and Pinetarsol Bath Oil (Pine tar 2.3% w/w)

Question 7

What is 1 non-preferred product for chickenpox and why?

Answer 7

Calamine lotion: dries out the skin

Question 8

What are the directions for paracetamol in chickenpox?

Answer 8

15 mg/kg (up to 1,000 mg) every FOUR to SIX hours. Maximum of 60 mg/kg (up to 4,000 mg) in 24 hours.

Question 9

What are the directions for Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite) in chickenpox?

Answer 9

Apply liberally to lesions as needed. Best kept in fridge for soothing effect.

Question 10

What are the directions for fexofenadine in chickenpox in adults and children over 12 years?

Answer 10

180 mg ONCE daily

Question 11

What are the directions for fexofenadine in chickenpox in children 2-11 years?

Answer 11

5 mL (30 mg) TWICE daily when required

Question 12

Is Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite) safe in pregnancy?

Answer 12

Yes

Question 13

Is Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite) safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 13

Yes

Question 14

What is the age range for Hydrogel (Smith and Nephew Solosite)?

Answer 14

Safe in all ages

Question 15

Is paracetamol safe in pregnancy?

Answer 15

Yes

Question 16

Is paracetamol safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 16

Yes

Question 17

What is the age range for paracetamol?

Answer 17

Safe in infants over 1 month

Question 18

Is fexofenadine safe in pregnancy?

Answer 18

Yes, although there is more experience with sedating antihistamines.

Question 19

Is fexofenadine safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 19

Yes

Question 20

What is the age range for fexofenadine?

Answer 20

Safe in infants over 6 months, but only for chronic urticaria in children under 2.

Question 21

Is Pinetarsol Bath Oil (Pine tar 2.3% w/w) safe in pregnancy?

Answer 21

Yes (although there is limited data)

Question 22

Is Pinetarsol Bath Oil (Pine tar 2.3% w/w) safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 22

Yes

Question 23

What is the age range for Pinetarsol Bath Oil (Pine tar 2.3% w/w)?

Answer 23

Safe in all ages

Question 24

What are 9 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for chickenpox?

Answer 24

1. Rest
2. Increase fluids
3. Lukewarm baths to help soothe the skin
4. Keep the area nice and clean
5. Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection
6. Wear loose fitting clothing’s for extra comfort
7. Kids can return to school when lesions have scabbed over, temp is normal, and sense of well-being returned.
8. For kids, keep fingernails short to minimise skin damage from scratching
9. For babies, putting on mittens helps to prevent damage to the skin when scratching

Question 25

Which patient group(s) is chickenpox most severe in?

Answer 25

Chickenpox is more severe in adults and in the immunocompromised

Question 26

What is the incubation period of chickenpox?

Answer 26

Incubation period is about 14-16 days

Question 27

What is the infectious period of chickenpox?

Answer 27

An infected person is contagious from 5 days before the onset of rash, until the last blister has dried out

Question 28

Describe the risk of chickenpox in pregnancy.

Answer 28

If a pregnant woman who never had chickenpox before, contracts chickenpox, she may become seriously ill (for example, pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis).

Question 29

Describe the relationship between chickenpox and shingles in terms of transmission.

Answer 29

A person who is not immunised against chickenpox and never had chickenpox before, can contract chickenpox from a person who has shingles