Shepherd Public Schools

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is a highly contagious viral disease.

The hallmark symptom is a skin rash that develops on the scalp and trunk and spreads to the face, arms and legs over three to four days. The rash consists of itchy blisters that form scabs two to three days later. Fever, chills, headaches, nausea and poor appetite frequently accompany the illness.

The symptoms will appear 11 to21 days after exposure.

A child with chicken pox is contagious for one to two days before and five to six days after the onset of the rash. Children may return to school seven days after the onset of the rash and when all lesions are crusted. In mild cases, with only a few lesions, crusting may be completed before this time, in which case children may return earlier if clearance is obtained from the family physician.

There are several kinds of lotions and bath products on the market to help reduce itching; ask your local pharmacist. Rest, fluids and adequate nutrition are important. Do not give aspirin. An association between aspirin and the development of Reye’s syndrome has been demonstrated. Fingernails should be trimmed to help prevent secondary infection from the scratching. Chicken pox is now a vaccine preventable disease. All children should receive this vaccine to prevent the disease before exposure. However, children who have not previously been vaccinated against chicken pox and who have an exposure may benefit from the vaccine. If the vaccine is given within 3 to 5 days after exposure it can prevent or lessen the severity of the disease.

See also Chicken Pox Vaccine information.