Chickenpox: Preventing Skin Infections
Topic Overview
Scratching chickenpox blisters can lead to skin infections, not to mention scarring. In rare cases, infected chickenpox lesions can lead to toxic shock syndrome .
To keep children from scratching chickenpox blisters:
- Clean and closely trim your child's fingernails.
- Have a small child wear mittens or clean cotton socks on his or her hands to prevent scratching. Or use light bandages over open blisters.
- Wash your child's hands often.
- Distract your child when you find him or her scratching.
To help prevent irritation of chickenpox blisters:
- Use loose-fitting cotton clothing.
- Change clothes and bedsheets daily.
- Use a household cleaner such as Lysol or Pine-Sol to wash any items that are soiled with fluid from chickenpox blisters.
- Bathe daily with a soothing, mild soap that contains ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, or lavender. Look for soaps that are made for sensitive skin or are recommended for babies. You can also try a soap that contains oatmeal.
- Use a mild laundry detergent if clothes or linens seem to be irritating the skin.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: May 27, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: John Pope MD - Pediatrics
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
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Current as of: May 27, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine