How to Treat Infants With Chicken Pox
In most cases, a child won't contract chicken pox until they are over a year old since they get antibodies from their mother while in the womb. However, in some cases, an infant can get chicken pox and require treatment while fighting off the virus.
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Instructions
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Confirm diagnosis from the infant's pediatrician. If you suspect chicken pox, you should take the child in for evaluation. Symptoms of chicken pox include a rash of small red bumps, fatigue and low grade fever.
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Keep your baby quarantined. If the infant attends day care, you should keep her home until you get the all clear from your doctor. You should also keep her from playing with other children at home.
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Relieve her itching. A chicken pox rash can prove very uncomfortable and itchy for an infant. An oatmeal bath and an anti-itch lotion like Calamine can help relieve the itching.
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Cut his nails. Your baby will want to scratch at his skin while recovering from chicken pox. To prevent infection, keep his nails short or put mittens on his hands.
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Give the infant any medications to help relieve symptoms. Your doctor may permit an over the counter fever reducer like Tylenol to help bring down her temperature. He may also give you antiviral and antihistamine medications for the infant.
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Tips & Warnings
Your doctor may only give antiviral medications in severe cases of chicken pox. Considerations may include whether or not the infant has a weakened immune system.
After your infant's exposed to chicken pox, you may not see any symptoms for 14 to 21 days after exposure.
