Is it possible to wash with chickenpox for adults and children: bathing rules
The content of the article:
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What is chickenpox
Rash
- Bathing benefits
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Bathing rules
How many times a day can you wash
- Bathing solutions
- Video
Can I wash myself with chickenpox? This question is asked by many parents who have discovered symptoms of pathology in a child. Some doctors are of the opinion that water procedures promote the spread of infection over the skin and prohibit wetting them.
Water treatments help relieve itching and prevent re-infection
So is it possible to wash a child with chickenpox? Modern experts are not so categorical, and they not only allow taking a bath, but even recommend bathing.
What is chickenpox
Chickenpox is an infectious viral disease. The causative agent of chickenpox is the third type herpes virus Varicella Zoster. Infection occurs by airborne droplets.
Most often, chickenpox is transmitted by airborne droplets
Most often, children get sick with chickenpox, but in some cases, the disease also occurs in adults. The virus can stay in the air for no more than 15 minutes, but during this period it travels with the air stream over long enough distances, so the disease is very contagious.
After the incubation period, which lasts from 10 to 21 days, the patient develops intoxication symptoms, the body temperature rises, the appetite disappears, weakness and headache appear.
Rash
During the day, a rash appears on the skin of the trunk, limbs, face and scalp in the form of bubbles filled with liquid, which is accompanied by itching. In the future, crusts form at the site of the rash.
The disease is characterized by an itchy rash
Often, in the acute form of the disease, the rash covers almost the entire body and mucous membranes, causing unbearable itching in a person. In this condition, a child or adult begins to itch so badly that it damages the skin and infects.
At the site of scratching, so-called pockmarks appear, which do not disappear even after many years. Adults take the disease very hard, their rash occurs later and lasts longer.
The varicella-zoster virus cannot be completely eradicated; it remains in the cells of the body and in some cases can be activated. Most often this occurs in old age. In this case, a person develops a disease such as shingles.
Bathing benefits
In most cases, the illness lasts for 7 days. Lack of water treatments during this period can aggravate the course of chickenpox. Severe itching leads to the fact that the child or adult begins to actively itch, and pathogenic microorganisms that multiply rapidly on a dirty body can penetrate into the wounds, causing infection.
Bathing rules
In order for the bathing procedure to be beneficial, certain rules must be followed. The bathing procedure itself should last no more than 15 minutes. You can wash your hair with chickenpox 5-6 days after the new rash stops appearing.
What not to do and use for bathing:
- using soap, shampoos or shower gels: these can worsen itching;
- use washcloths: this can lead to injury to the skin, which in the future will cause scarring;
- use hot water for the procedure: you need to bathe the child in warm water (it should be slightly warmer than the human body);
- rub the skin after bathing, especially with hard towels: the skin is gently blotted with a soft cloth, which is immediately washed and ironed.
If the body temperature is elevated, an adult or a child cannot swim with chickenpox. The procedure can be carried out only after its normalization.
How many times a day can you wash
During the day, water procedures are performed 1-4 times. At high body temperature, it is enough to wash your face and hands once a day. Genital hygiene is also necessary using baby soap.
After bathing, the rash must be treated with an antiseptic
After bathing, apply an antiseptic agent to the skin to help relieve itching. Brilliant green or Fukortsin is often used for these purposes. You can also use modern means, the effect of which is more pronounced (Kalamin, PoxKlin).
It should be washed daily in hot water and ironed on both sides to avoid infection of the scratches.
Bathing solutions
Is it permissible for a child to bathe in the bathroom with chickenpox? Teens and adults should shower. A small child can be bathed in a bath using special solutions, for example, a solution of potassium permanganate.
For bathing, you can use a saline solution
Potassium permanganate has a disinfecting and antimicrobial effect. To prepare it, several crystals of potassium permanganate are diluted in a bottle of water, then this solution is added to the bathing bath. The concentration is adjusted so that the water takes on a pale pink hue.
It is not recommended to add crystals directly to the bath, as they may not dissolve, and if they come into contact with the skin, they will cause burns. According to those who have used the solution for the treatment of chickenpox, this is a fairly effective remedy that can reduce itching and prevent infection from getting into the combs.
Other solutions that can be used for bathing young children:
| Solution | Description |
| Infusion of succession | This herb has anti-inflammatory and bacterial properties and can also help relieve itching. To prepare the infusion, 50 g of chopped herbs are placed in a pan and poured with 3 liters of boiling water. The tool is insisted for 6 hours, then filtered |
| Baking soda solution | Used to relieve itching. To prepare a bathing solution, dissolve 2 tablespoons of soda in 10 liters of water |
| Oak bark decoction | This remedy effectively relieves inflammation and eliminates itching. To prepare the broth, 2 tablespoons of oak bark are poured with a liter of water and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes. After the product has cooled to a comfortable temperature, it is filtered and added to the bathing water |
| Sea salt solution | The saline solution, according to the reviews of the people who used it, quickly dries out the rash and eliminates itching. To prepare a bath, dissolve 50-100 g of natural sea salt in 10 liters of water (without dyes and flavorings) |
Infusions / solutions are added to a bath with warm water and the child is bathed for 10-15 minutes. You can carry out procedures 1-2 times a day.
So is it okay to bathe a child during chickenpox? The answer to this question is yes, you can. If you adhere to certain rules, then this procedure will become useful. But before you start swimming, you need to consult your doctor.
Video
We offer for viewing a video on the topic of the article.
Anna Kozlova Medical journalist About the author
Education: Rostov State Medical University, specialty "General Medicine".
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