Be aware of the risk of chickenpox complications in children.

(Baonghean.vn) - From the beginning of January 2015 until now, the Infectious Diseases Department of Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital has received and treated approximately 50 children with chickenpox, some of whom even suffered complications from the disease.

On the morning of February 3rd, at the Infectious Diseases Department of the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, following the doctors and nurses to the wards, I saw many children with chickenpox covering their faces, hands, feet, and bodies. Struggling with her crying child, who was itching and sore from the illness, Ms. Le Thi Thu Hong, mother of 5-and-a-half-month-old Le Ba Hoang An from Dong Vinh ward, Vinh City, said: “My child caught it from his older brother and me. After contracting the disease, he developed a rash all over his body, had a high fever, and the rash even appeared in his mouth, making it difficult for him to eat and swallow, so the family brought him to the hospital for treatment. He developed pneumonia as a complication of the disease. Because he is so young, he hasn't been vaccinated yet, but his older brother was vaccinated, so his symptoms were milder and he recovered quickly.”

Doctor Nguyen Van Son checks the health of a child with chickenpox.

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Son, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department, chickenpox commonly occurs in the spring and can easily cause outbreaks, especially among preschool children, because it spreads through the respiratory tract. Therefore, when children cough, the virus is released into the surrounding environment, making it easy for other children to become infected. Chickenpox is a benign disease, and most children who come for examination are sent home for treatment. Initially, children often experience high fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and body aches. Some children may not have all of these symptoms, sometimes only a mild fever. After 1-2 days, typical symptoms of chickenpox appear: a rash and blisters on the skin. In the same area, new rashes appear, some have broken, creating blisters that are mixed together. The time from appearance to rupture is about 2-3 days. Initially, the rash is firm and small, then it forms larger blisters with clear fluid. If the fluid is cloudy, it indicates infection. When the rash ruptures, it leaves ulcerated sores on the skin, causing itching, scratching, and easy infection. If infection occurs, the damage will become deeper, making it more likely to leave scars on the skin.

Besides appearing on the skin, the rash can develop in the throat, mouth, and digestive tract, making it difficult for children to eat and swallow, causing pain, and diarrhea. Some children may even cough and have difficulty breathing if the rash appears in the respiratory tract. The disease is generally benign if properly cared for and without complications. However, treatment at the Infectious Diseases Department has shown that some children still experience complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, which have been closely monitored and treated.

Dr. Nguyen Van Son advises that when children are sick, parents should take them to the doctor for advice on care, improve oral and skin hygiene, and avoid complications. Pay attention to ensuring children eat a balanced diet to boost their immune system. It's best to keep children home from school until they are completely recovered to prevent the spread of the disease. Parents should also take precautions to avoid contracting the illness themselves. Items such as clothes and towels used by the sick person should be soaked and washed with soap, then dried in the sun or ironed. For broken chickenpox blisters, apply antiseptic solutions such as methylene blue to dry the blisters and prevent bacterial infection. Do not apply to unbroken blisters as this will not be effective. In addition, bathe the child with warm water, but avoid prolonged bathing as with healthy children. Avoid scratching, as scratching can break blisters and lead to bacterial infection.

To prevent illness in children, it's crucial to improve hygiene, diet, skin care, and nasal and throat hygiene. Importantly, parents should ensure their children receive all necessary vaccinations on schedule and as prescribed.

Thuy Hien

Nghe An Center for Information and Health Education