Where There Is No Doctor 2011 311
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF CHILDHOOD
Chickenpox
This mild virus infection begins 2 to 3 weeks after a child is
exposed to another child who has the disease.
Signs:
spots.
blisters, and
scabs
First many small, red, itchy spots appear. These turn into little pimples or blisters
that pop and finally form scabs. Usually they begin on the body, and later on the
face, arms, and legs. There may be spots, blisters, and scabs, all at the same time.
Fever is usually mild.
Treatment:
The infection usually goes away in a week. Bathe the child daily with soap and
warm water. To calm itching, apply cool cloths soaked in water from boiled and
strained oatmeal. Cut fingernails very short. If the scabs get infected, keep them
clean. Apply hot, wet compresses, and put an antibiotic ointment on them. Try to
keep the child from scratching.
Measles
This severe virus infection is especially dangerous
in children who are poorly nourished or have
tuberculosis. Ten days after being near a person with
measles, it begins with signs of a cold—fever, runny
nose, red sore eyes, and cough.
The child becomes increasingly ill. The mouth may
become very sore and he may develop diarrhea.
After 2 or 3 days a few tiny white spots like salt grains appear in the mouth. A day
or 2 later the rash appears—first behind the ears and on the neck, then on the face
and body, and last on the arms and legs. After the rash appears, the child usually
begins to get better. The rash lasts about 5 days. Sometimes there are scattered
black spots caused by bleeding into the skin (‘black measles’). This means the
attack is very severe. Get medical help.
Treatment:
♦ The child should stay in bed, drink lots of liquids, and be given nutritious food.
If she cannot swallow solid food, give her liquids like soup. If a baby cannot
breastfeed, give breast milk in a spoon (see p. 120).
♦ If possible, give vitamin A to prevent eye damage (p. 391).
♦ For fever and discomfort, give acetaminophen (or ibuprofen).
♦ If earache develops, give an antibiotic (p. 350).
♦ If signs of pneumonia, meningitis, or severe pain in the ear or stomach
develop, get medical help.
♦ If the child has diarrhea, give Rehydration Drink (p. 152).