How Pediatricians Help Prevent Chicken Pox Scars

Chicken pox is one of the most common childhood diseases and usually doesn't leave behind any lasting problems in a child's life. However, some children may end up with scars that linger for years, which may impact them both physically and emotionally. Thankfully, a pediatrician can help minimize the dangers of chicken pox and help a child recover more easily.

Chicken Pox is a Painful Problem

Chicken pox is a disease most children get at some point when they are young and can be quite painful. It triggers a rampant rash across the skin that is very itchy and which spreads easier with scratching. It may also cause various uncomfortable fevers and headaches, all of which may make a child feel itchier by making them feel more sensitive to pain and unable to fight the urge to scratch.

Unfortunately, all of this itchiness can cause a child to experience some scars after their chicken pox is gone. In some cases, these scars may be a temporary problem that goes away after a month or two. Other children with more severe chicken pox may have deeper and more persistent scars that may linger for life. However, a pediatrician can help to prevent this problem from getting worse for a child.

How a Pediatrician May Help

Pediatricians help with chicken pox by performing a handful of different care methods for a child. They start by addressing the spread of the rashes on the child's skin and attempting to prevent them from spreading further. Often, this requires placing various creams on the skin that soothes it from itching or placing gloves or other restrictive items on the child to avoid needless scratching as well.

These professionals can also provide pain management tools that help the child avoid suffering, such as painkillers, various types of topical pain relievers, and much more. These items will be explained to the parent and the child to help them understand how to apply each properly. At this point, the child is usually sent home with the parent, who can perform the necessary steps to keep their child healthy.

Often, this process also requires a child to come back to their pediatrician a few times for regular checkups on their overall progress. Upgrades to their treatment may be necessary to keep the child from scarring, as chicken pox can be particularly damaging in this way. Thankfully, a pediatrician's careful eye and skilled treatment should minimize the risk of this long-term problem.


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