What Causes Shingles In Babies?

It is a painful rash that occurs in the torso area, eyes, neck, and face. This viral infection appears as one stripe of blisters. The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is also the virus that causes chickenpox. It is not common in children. However, a child can have it if either of these is true.

• The mother of the child had chickenpox while pregnant.

• The child got chickenpox before they reached the age of one.

Children who get vaccinated against chickenpox have a small risk of getting the condition. However, the probability of getting it increases with age. A child who has a weak immune system may exhibit the same symptoms or more severe than an adult.

Symptoms in children and babies

The symptoms begin with burning, pain, itching, or tingling on the rash. Sometimes it appears five days after the symptoms start exhibiting. In children, it can manifest on the buttocks and the torso. In others, it appears on the arms and legs.

The rash begins as small red spots that soon turn into blisters that become dry and yellow. It can go away in 2 to 4 weeks. The child may also exhibit other symptoms such as nausea, headache, fever, and chills. Since symptoms of the skin condition can seem like other health conditions, it is critical to see a health provider to offer the best diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The nurse or healthcare specialist will inquire about the symptoms of your child and their health history. The child may undergo tests such as:

Blood Tests

Doctors perform these tests to evaluate whether the blood has signs of the virus.

Skin scrapings

In this test, the nurse will scrap the blisters to get a tiny sample. The nurse will examine it to detect the virus.

Treatment

The treatment will usually depend on the age, symptoms of the child, and their general health. It also depends on the severity of the condition. People often wonder –What is the best cream to put on shingles? We recommend a product containing natural ingredients as it offers natural treatment which is the preferred option for shingles. A good shingles cream has a natural active ingredient that relieves symptoms of the skin condition.

An effective shingles product will guarantee less pain and itching within the first 24 hours of use. Doctors recommend topical shingles ointments for all ages. Additionally, the shingles cream is trusted by consumers for its soothing effect. You do not have to join millions of parents asking this question – What is the best cream to put on shingles? Using the best products will solve any problems that deal with the skin condition.

Other home remedies that you may use to treat the skin condition include the following:

Corn starch and baking soda paste

Mix two parts of baking soda and one part of the water in a cup. Make a smooth consistency and apply it to the rash. Alternatively, you can choose to add a portion of water to two equal parts of corn starch to make a smooth paste and cover the rash. Allow the paste to stay for 15 minutes and rinse it off. You can replicate this application as many times as you need to get relief.

Healing Bath

The skin condition favors cool baths. Hot water worsens it since blood flow to the rash increases. Mix equal parts of cornstarch and colloidal oatmeal to lukewarm water and soak in it for a maximum of 20 minutes and rinse yourself. This bath relieves the pain and cools the itchiness. Make sure you dry the body thoroughly with a clean towel that you do not share with anyone.

Consume a Balanced Diet

The skin condition worsens and spreads to other body parts when your immunity is low. Therefore, consume a balanced diet that will boost your immunity to prevent this. Foods that are rich in Vitamins B12, E, A, and C are useful. Examples of these foods are chicken, red meat, yellow fruits, orange fruits, and eggs.

Possible complications

The most common complication is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). It is when the pain from the condition continues even after the rash is gone. Damaged nerve fibers in the skin can sometimes send confusing messages to the brain that triggers pain. If you notice that the pain still exists, consider talking to a health provider.

Other complications include:

Skin infection

A bacterial infection leads to impetigo and cellulitis.

Vision problems

When it occurs near the eye, it can contribute to vision problems.

Problems in the nervous systems

When the infection is on the face, it affects various nerves. Consequently, it leads to problems such as hearing problems and facial paralysis.

How to prevent your child from contracting it?

A vaccine against the skin condition is available. But, it is not for children. A child who has received a chickenpox vaccine might display milder symptoms of the disease. However, if your child has not yet had chickenpox, consider talking to your healthcare provider about the chickenpox vaccine.

When to talk to a health provider?

Always call your health provider if you notice that the symptoms of your child are getting worse. Moreover, if you detect new ones, confirm with your doctor before the situation becomes worse.

When to see a doctor?

Take your child to the hospital if they use shingles cream, and you see no changes. Also take note of the following:

  • If you see a rash on their face or around their eye.
  • The rash fails to clear after 10-14 days.
  • If your child is taking medication that affects their immune system.
  • If the child suffers from a chronic illness.
  • If you are undecided on whether the rash is associated with the skin condition.
  • The rash on your child appears infected, and there is a fever.

Ensure that your child stays at home if they are of school-going age and if the rash is still active. Anyone whose immune system is weak should stay away from people who have shingles. However, if they get it, there is no need for them to ask-“What is the best cream to put on shingles?” when they can go for Emuaid products.

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