HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24783, 6 December 1941, Page 6

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

XX.—CHICKEN POX CAN BE DANGEROUS Prepared and issued by the Health Department An ordinary attack of chicken-pox—-which has been going the rounds in the North Island—is nothing to become excited about. Treated properly, it will clear up in a few days, but it has to be treated properly. In no circumstances must the child be allowed to scratch the characteristic blisters that form. The urge to do so is instinctive, because of the itch they set up, but more danger is caused by self-scratching than anything else. It is liable to make the blisters septic, and this in turn can lead 'to scarring and permanent disfigurement; Apply a soothing lotion or powder to reduce the itch, and cut the child's finger nails as short as possible. In the case of infants, where the control is a little more difficult, put gloves on their hands.

Slight feverishness might herald an attack of chicken-pox, though mostly the appearance of a red rash on the trunk is the first sign. The eruption consists of slightly raised points that vary in size from a pinhead to a pea, and they crowd and run together in places. They become vesicular—that is, develop blisters —within a day. and become fillsd with a clear fluid that soon turns cloudy and yellowish. If not disturbed by scratching, the vesicle dries up fairly readily, and after a few days the crust drops off, leaving a slightly reddened skin which soon becomes normal. The fluid is highly infectious.

The cause of chicken-pox is not known, and there is no treatment like vaccination to ward it off. No age is exempt, but the maximum incidence is from five to six years old. with girls more prone to it than boys. Control depends on the co-operation of the parents and school authorities in prompt localising of the trouble, of isolation of the patient, and of proper disinfection at the bedside.

Above all, see that the blisters are not disturbed.,