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Doctor issues 'very important' chickenpox reminder to parents

First published on Tuesday 17 May 2022

Dr Punam Krishan / Chickenpox

Aneira Davies

Contributor

With chickenpox doing the rounds, make sure you're aware of what NOT to give your kids if they're unwell with it.

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As chickenpox cases rise across the country – due to kids mixing, the easing of restrictions and warmer weather – Dr Punam Krishan has urged parents not to give kids ibuprofen to treat their symptoms, but to give them paracetamol, if required, instead.

Dr Punam revealed the surprising news on a recent episode of the BBC's Morning Live show, where she offered lots of tips to parents whose kids are stuck indoors with chickenpox.

Most importantly, for the relief of pain and fever, she said:

'Don’t be giving ibuprofen – that can actually cause more complications.'

Presenter and mum-of-three Kimberley Walsh replied:

'I heard that. And I was a bit terrified, actually, because it’s not readily available information.'

Dr Punam explained that while ibuprofen was the 'go-to for parents', doctors don't advise using it in chickenpox cases, as it can cause further health complications.

She stressed that it was 'really important' to follow this advice.

The NHS website states:

'Do not use ibuprofen unless advised to do so by a doctor, as it may cause serious skin infections.'

Meanwhile, the British Medical Journal reports that ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can make symptoms worse, even leading to something called 'necrotising fasciitis'.

Although a rare condition, 'necrotising fascitis' needs to be treated early on as it can be life-threatening.

Dr Punam explained to viewers that we're currently seeing outbreaks of the virus across the UK, with more cases being recorded for children.

She added:

'We tend to see more of it in spring, summer months.

'And the reason for that is restrictions are lifting, kids are mingling more, and the virus likes warm environments as well.'

What symptoms should parents look out for?

Dr Punam urged parents to watch out for the early symptoms of chickenpox, which include:

  • Small but painful cut or scratch on the skin
  • Intense pain that's out of proportion to any damage to the skin
  • Fever and other flu-like symptoms

The GP also shared what other helpful things parents could do to ease their child's symptoms.

She urged parents to:

  • Keep children hydrated
  • Give kids jelly and ice lollies for cooling
  • Cut children's nails to avoid blister infections
  • Use anti-itch medications and creams
  • Give kids oat and baking soda baths

And that's not the only warning when it comes to chickenpox, as doctors have urged parents NOT to soothe itchy skin with calamine lotion.

Dr Ranj posted the surprising tip on his Instagram account, saying that calamine lotion can actually make itching worse, not better.

He said:

‘As kids start to mix again, it’s no surprise we’re seeing conditions like #chickenpox doing the rounds.

‘But did you know that using calamine lotion can make it feel more itchy? It cools the skin (which feels nice at first), but can then dry it too (eurgh!)!

Worried about your child's symptoms or want to know where to access help? Find out more in our 'Baby and Child Health' Drop-I Clinic below.

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