Can You Take a Bath in Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as itchy red spots, fever, and fatigue. One common question for parents and caregivers during this time is whether it's safe to take a bath while afflicted with chickenpox.
How Do You Know If It’s Chickenpox?
Chickenpox often starts with a distinctive rash that goes through various stages and can show up almost anywhere on your body, even in places like inside your mouth and around sensitive spots like the genitals. Let's take a closer look at how this rash progresses-
● Appear across different parts of the body.
● Range in colour from red and pink to dark, or blend in with the skin, depending on your complexion. On darker skin, these spots might be less visible.
● Feel painful, particularly in sensitive areas.
● Spots turn into blisters. These fluid-filled blisters are notoriously itchy and might burst.
● Blisters turn into scabs. After bursting, the blisters dry out and form scabs which might flake or leak fluid.
What are the Ways to Treat Chickenpox at Home?
When we have chickenpox, being comfortable and preventing any complications becomes our main focus. Here are some practical tips for taking care of yourself or your loved one at home-
● Isolation- Stay away from public settings like school or work until all blisters have scabbed over, typically about five days after the rash begins.
● Hydration- Keep up fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Ice lollies can be particularly helpful for children who might refuse water.
● Pain relief- Use paracetamol to ease pain and discomfort (avoid ibuprofen as it can cause complications).
● Prevent scratching- Trim the nails short and consider covering hands with socks at night to prevent scratching, which can lead to infection.
● Soothing lotions- Apply cooling creams or gels available from pharmacies.
● Loose clothing- Dress in soft, airy fabrics to reduce irritation.
Is it Recommended to Take a Bath in Chickenpox?
Taking a bath can help with chickenpox, but it's important to do it the right way to keep from making the rash worse or spreading the infection.
Soaking in cool or lukewarm water can calm the skin and ease the itchiness. Just remember to be gentle when you dry off. Pat the skin softly with a towel instead of rubbing, which can irritate your skin more and knock off the scabs.
Why is Chickenpox Vaccination Important While Travelling?
When you travel, you often encounter different environments and diverse groups of people. This can increase your risk of catching illnesses like chickenpox. Especially if you’re visiting areas where chickenpox is more prevalent.
The chickenpox vaccine protects you from a potentially severe illness and helps prevent the spread to vulnerable populations, such as infants and those with weakened immune systems.
Travel vaccinations ensure a safer and healthier trip, letting you focus on enjoying your travels rather than managing sickness.
At Pearl Chemist Group, we offer a chickenpox vaccine in Banstead, Earlsfield, and Epsom.
Book an Appointment for Chickenpox Vaccine at Pearl Chemist Group
Whether you are in the UK or heading to a destination where chickenpox is more common, getting vaccinated is a wise choice. We, at Pearl Chemist Group, offer chickenpox vaccination as part of our travel vaccination service to help keep you safe on your journeys.
If you're looking for a chickenpox vaccine in London or Merton, it's easy to schedule an appointment with us. Booking your vaccination is a convenient process, ensuring that you can receive your jab at a time and location that's suitable for you.