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Children's health

Chicken Pox and furry tongues

8 replies

Wigglesworth · 07/07/2009 20:31

My DS is nearly 1 and has been diagnosed by our GP with chicken pox this afternoon. I had to collect him from nursery early because he wasn't well. He is quite fretful (teething thrown in for good measure) and doesn't want to eat. His spots haven't come out fully yet but there are a few there (mainly on his balls and around his mouth).
DS is our PFB and we haven't been through this yet, I have a few questions.
Firstly he has a white furry tongue and his breath smells, is that normal?
How long does it usually last and how long does he need to stay off nursery for?
Last of all any good survival tips, he isn't sleeping well at all and is very difficult to settle, I am giving him calprofen and rubbed calamine cream on his spots, any more ideas much appreciated. Generally is pretty pissed off and miserable ATM and I am desperate to make him feel better.

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Wigglesworth · 07/07/2009 20:46

Bump

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FluffyBunnyGoneBad · 07/07/2009 20:52

It sounds like he's got thrush aswell poor mite. Did the doctor not look in his mouth?

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Wigglesworth · 07/07/2009 20:55

Yeah he did and just said his tongue is abit white and it could be related to his chicken pox, he didn't give him any treatment though. Is there anything they can give him for thrush?

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sunburntats · 07/07/2009 20:56

Hello, some answers that may be helpful:
White furry tongue and smelly breath may be part and parcel, but may also be thrush, ensure he drinks plenty and clean his mouth with his toothbrush, if he will let you gently clean his tongue as well with toothbrush, do that.
If it still hasnt gone in a day or two, go back to GP.
Also when it has gone, chuck out toothbrush or you amy re infect him.

Dont send him back to nursery till spots have dried and scabs are dropping off. Usually about 7-10 days after onset of symptoms there abouts.

He will be feeling horrid, calpol/calpofen etc is good idea. calamine also good idea. Also warm baths will help to sooth him or let him play with the shower running over him, this really sooths the skin wonderfully.
Dont worry if you have him stood under the shower 4 times a day, if it hlps him and doesnt upset him, it really is soothing.
Sleeping is easy with itchy sore spots and the hot weather, so keep him cool, try not to bundle him up in PJ's, light loose clothes and bedding.

Good luck, its horrid when they are poorly x

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sunburntats · 07/07/2009 20:57

sorry sleeping ISNT easy i meant to say

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Wigglesworth · 07/07/2009 21:04

Thankyou sunburn, I have dressed him in a popper vest only and he had a tepid bath tonight before bed, your advice is very helpful, I am going to take time off work to look after him, I think he just wants his Mummy ATM.

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Bubbaloo · 08/07/2009 10:39

Ds2 has chickenpox at the moment and have found Calpol/Neurofen,along with Piriton and Calamine cream have been excellent.He has it quite badly(in ears,mouth,hair etc...)and tbh I haven't seen him scratch once.Cool baths have helped and they also help to bring the spots out.
Tbh,ds2 hasn't been miserable with it and is still charging around at full speed,but has been off his food a little.Have found ice lollies seem to also offer a big relief,if he has them in his mouth.
Hope he feels better soon

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Wigglesworth · 08/07/2009 11:04

Ok update, I am now not that convinced of my GP's diagnoses, his tongue is now very white and furry and his breath borders on offensive, you can smell it a few feet away . I am taking him back to the doctor, I agree with sunburntats I reckon it's thrush and antibiotics are in order. Thanks to everyone for your advice much appreciated .