Chickenpox is a virus infection that causes small blisters on the body. The infection is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. Usually, it affects babies, but if one has not had chickenpox as a child, it is highly possible they may get infected as an adult. A child is at high risk of catching chickenpox, but once one is vaccinated against it, the chances of getting infected are minimal. 

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection, and a baby can easily catch it. Therefore it is important to have all the information about it beforehand. Dr. Promilla Butani, a renowned general pediatrician in Delhi, explains the various factors related to chickenpox in babies, like causes, symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent chickenpox in babies. 

Keep reading! 

Causes of Chickenpox in Babies

Chickenpox is caused by a virus known as varicella-zoster. This virus is highly contagious, infecting anyone who comes close to the person suffering from it. It can spread through saliva, mucus, and sneeze or cough droplets of the infected person in the air. A baby can easily get infected in the vicinity of the infected person. 

Symptoms of Chickenpox in Babies

Symptoms of chickenpox can be detected very easily. These are: 

• Fever: Baby's body temperature goes higher than 100.4°F (38°C)

• Rashes and blisters: Small rashes start appearing on the forehead and cheeks of the baby and then gradually spread all over. These rashes then turn into watery blisters, which later turn into crust marks on the body. 

• Sores/Ulcer: Little reddish spots like sores may be visible in the eyes, mouth, and around the genitals of the baby. 

• Feeding Difficulty: There may be a decrease in the baby's hunger, which can be a symptom of chickenpox. 

• Other symptoms: The baby might experience more symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, abdominal pain, dizziness, and discomfort. 

When to See a Doctor?

The normal symptoms of chickenpox may disappear within a few days. However, in some cases, the symptoms may worsen when the baby must be rushed to the pediatrician. These severe symptoms of chickenpox include: 

• Bleeding or pus from the blisters (could be a sign of bacterial infection)
• Cough and cold went bad 
• Body temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
• Constantly crying 
• Problem in breathing
• Extreme dizziness/unconsciousness
• Vomiting.

In rare cases, this can lead to severe problems like pneumonia, dehydration, blood clotting, and inflammation around the brain.

Treatment of Chickenpox in Babies 

Generally, chickenpox in babies does not require any medical treatment. The immunity power of the baby fights off the infection within 5-10 days. The pediatrician may suggest medicines to overcome certain symptoms like loss of appetite, cold and abdominal pain. 

Home Management Tips for Chickenpox 

Though there is no treatment for chickenpox, parents can follow some home tips for faster recovery and make sure the symptoms don't get worse. These are: 

• Fluid diet: Try to give the baby as much fluid as possible. Breastfeeding can help in infants, and for babies older than 2 years, one can feed soup, lentil soup, broth, etc. This will strengthen the baby's immunity for faster recovery. 

• Trim nails: Trimming the baby's nails will help prevent the baby from scratching the blisters and scarring. 

• Antihistamines Lotion: These lotions, like calamine, can help reduce itching and irritation on the skin. 

Prevention from Chickenpox  

Besides keeping the baby away from the infected person and the surroundings clean, the only way to protect the baby from chickenpox is vaccination, explains Dr. Promilla Butani, a senior pediatrician in South Delhi. 

Chickenpox Vaccines for Babies 

Chickenpox vaccination consists of two shots - A vaccine & booster shot. Here is how the baby receives the vaccines. 

• 1st shot - The baby receives 1st shot between the age of 12 to 15 months. 
• 2nd shot - This is also known as a booster shot. It is given between 4.5 to 5 years of age. This shot ensures lifetime immunity against chickenpox. 

Note: The children who did not receive their 1st shot as infants could be given 1st shot by 6 years of age, and the booster can be given 3 months later. 

To sum up, chickenpox is normal and not life-threatening in babies. Under proper care, the baby can cure by itself, and only in severe cases, medical treatment is needed. It is very important to get the baby vaccinated against chickenpox as it is the only prevention of the infection in the future. Dr. Promilla Butani, the best general pediatrician in Delhi, advises getting the baby vaccinated as soon as they reach 12 months of age to ensure maximum safety. For more information and an appointment for vaccination, visit Dr. Promilla Butani, at her clinic in New Delhi.