CHICKENPOX

On the 1st day a rash appears, small red patches about 5mm across. In a few hours, these develop into small irritating blisters. These will slowly dry-up and heal. New spots may appear over the next few days. The condition is infectious until all of the spots have dried up.

Calamine lotion and antihistamine tablets available from any Chemist without prescription can help soothe the skin, but will not get rid of the condition more quickly. The only danger is to unborn babies in the last month of pregnancy or in their first month of life. “You should avoid contact with people having radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer, taking steroid tablets (such as for joint problems or polymyalgia”)