The painkiller you should never give a child with chickenpox – however itchy their rash might be
IBUPROFEN is many people’s go-to drug to dull pain, reduce swelling and generally treat minor illnesses.
But it should never be given to children with chickenpox, a pharmacist has warned.
The over-the-counter medicine can trigger severe skin conditions in kids with the itchy rash.
One of the most serious is necrotising fasciitis – a life-threatening flesh-eating bug which requires immediate hospital treatment.
Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Chemist Click Online Pharmacy, said: “Do not give ibuprofen for chickenpox unless it has been recommended by a doctor.
“It can increase the risk of a serious skin reaction.
“In severe cases, a condition called necrotising fasciitis has been known to occur, which is a severe and often life-threatening infection.
“Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and guidance on treating chickenpox from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) recommends that NSAIDs are avoided in children with chickenpox.”
Necrotising fasciitis is caused by bacteria entering an open wound, such as a cut, scratch, burn, scald, chickenpox or insect bite.
It can also make its way into the body after surgery or injecting drugs.
The rapidly-progressing condition kills between 11 and 22 per cent of patients globally, according to the World Health Organization.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that causes an itchy, spotty rash.
It primarily affects children, and usually clears up by itself within two weeks without needing to see a doctor.
But it does carry several uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- An itchy, spotty rash
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Flaky scabs
- A high temperature
- Aches and pains
- Loss of appetite
- Generally feeling unwell
Ibuprofen isn’t suitable to treat these problems, and experts recommend avoiding aspirin as well.
But there are other options, according to Abbas.
Parents can try giving the child paracetamol to ease any pain and discomfort.
They can also use cooling creams or gels to lessen the itchiness of the rash.
The pharmacist said: “You can use paracetamol products, such as Calpol, to reduce your child’s fever and pain.
“Avoid giving your child aspirin because it has been linked to some children developing Reye’s syndrome, which can damage their brain and liver.”
The NHS also recommends drinking plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration, cutting the child’s fingernails or putting socks on their hands at night to minimise scratching, bathing in cool water and wearing loose-fitting clothes.
Ibuprofen is not suitable for children who have:
- Chickenpox
- Ever had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen
- Asthma
- Stomach, heart, liver or kidney problems
- Health problems that mean they have an increased risk of bleeding
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – e.g. Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Signs of dehydration
Source: NHS