chicken pox care package

[brookie514]

So, I'm trying to infect my kids with CP. I know I should have calamine lotion and oatmeal for baths for help in healing/comfort. What else should I have?

[CookieMonsterMommy]

Epsom salt baths or other muscle soothing baths (before the pox errupt, a fever and body aches usually preceed). I wouldn't recommend this after they errupt, as it can be irritating

Depending on age, activities to keep busy when away from school/clubs/sports/friends.

Cool cloths, gel packs, etc for head/neck when your little one gets a fever

Witch hazel (diluted in cool or cold water) can help with the itching, and in preventing infection, as can pure honey and vitamin e oil. These can also help prevent scarring.

Tons of ice pops, juices, jellos, etc, to keep him/her hydrated

Good luck! I tried for a few years before finally getting the magic shirt!

[34me]

If you are not TV Free, we used lots and lots of movies for dd. She never scratched (she was 3 and a half) but we had usually already finished 3 movies by 8am because she couldn't sleep.

[tanyalynn]

I use nutritional supps a lot as support through all sorts of illnesses. I'd think: vitamin C (I use sodium ascorbate), zinc, a decent multivit that I'd give higher-than-usual doses of, and pre-formed vitamin A (not beta-carotene, I mean, real vitamin A) probably as cod liver oil.

[Bea]

I believe Benadryl (diphenhydramine) helps with the itchies.

While I'm totally on board with a natural care package, personally I wouldn't rule it out to allow a good nights sleep as it reduces itching and has a minor sedative effect.

For very itchy nights (or days) it might be worth having some sugar and dye free syrup on hand.