Chickenpox is a viral disease whereby the person has very itchy blisters throughout the body. It is a childhood infection, in adolescence and adulthood usually presents complications. Mild in childhood, sometimes complications can come from a medication we give the child, even when prescribed by the doctor. In this case, it seems that Ibuprofen has caused a severe reaction to a child with chickenpox.
The recommendation of ibuprofen to treat chickenpox has been questioned for some time. In fact, currently, this drug is generally not recommended to treat the symptoms of the disease, since it has been related in several studies (not so in others) with the occurrence of serious secondary infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis, injuries severe skin and subcutaneous tissues.
The problem comes when you go with your child to the consultation and the pediatricians tell you (even on several occasions) that you give him ibuprofen, as happened to this mother from Warrington (United Kingdom) who has told her case on Facebook. Having a safer alternative like paracetamol, Shouldn't ibuprofen be ruled out of the recommendations, under suspicion?
Of course, this is what this mother thinks, whose son suffered more serious and annoying skin lesions than chickenpox blisters are. His condition did not improve, but on the contrary, the child worsened with nausea, diarrhea, fever, pain ... and until he decided not to take him to the hospital it was not known what was happening. He had contracted sepsis or sepsis, with infection of the bloodstream, probably due to infection of any of the lesions.
It could have resulted in a lethal complication, as has happened on other occasions. Luckily, in the hospital it began to improve. Sepais is an infection that could get complicated, it is also known as "blood poisoning". It is part of the clinical picture of necrotizing fasciitis. And although it is not clear to us if the child finally had this disease derived from the use of ibuprofen in this case or not, the case is that his mother has decided to share his case and is certainly echoing and shocking photographs have been seen in different media of the United Kingdom.
Ibuprofen for chickenpox, yes or no?
As we have said, the relationship between ibuprofen and chickenpox is not too clear, although We found the drug advised against by several medical agencies. At the US National Library of Medicine, they tell us the following about medications that are not recommended for the treatment of chickenpox:
DO NOT give acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or ibuprofen to someone who may have chickenpox. The use of acetylsalicylic acid has been associated with a serious condition called Reye's syndrome. Ibuprofen has been associated with more serious secondary infections.
In the United Kingdom, the National Institute of Health NICE also advises against the use of ibuprofen in cases of chickenpox. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics advises against the use of acetylsalicylic acid but does not refer to ibuprofen.
In the Annals of Pediatrics we find a study that reviews a case of chickenpox with necrotizing fasciitis and previous research on this topic, where we find the following:
Currently 2004, although the causal association between ibuprofen and chickenpox complications is not scientifically proven, however, prudence at the time of its use in these cases is recommended.
For its part, the Advisory Committee for Vaccines in a consultation indicates that:
The description of cases of necrotizing fasciitis in children with chickenpox treated with ibuprofen makes it advisable to avoid its use during the time of evolution of the natural disease.
On the other hand, what medical literature does agree is that Paracetamol can be used to lower the child's temperature. And what else can I do to relieve the symptoms of chickenpox?
Recommendations for the treatment of chickenpox
The treatment of chickenpox is to relieve the child's symptoms, so you are as comfortable as possible. The following is recommended:
Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas. Keep nails short to avoid skin damage when scratching.
Use fresh, soft and loose bedding. Avoid wearing rough clothes, particularly wool, over an itchy area.
Take warm water baths with little soap and rinse thoroughly. Try oatmeal or corn starch baths to soften the skin. Apply a moisturizer and soothing after bathing to soften and refresh the skin.
Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive moisture and heat.
If itching is severe, try over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, but be aware of possible side effects such as drowsiness.
Try hydrocortisone cream in itchy areas.
Children without severe symptoms are not usually prescribed antivirals.
If there is fever, the most recommended drug to relieve it is paracetamol.
Finally, we remember the recommendation to vaccinate children against the disease, to minimize the risks and symptoms in case of contracting chickenpox. And if your child gets sick, it is best to see a doctor with all the possible information.
