| Symptoms |
Typical Duration |
- Slight fever and flu-like symptoms;
- Rash of small itchy, red blisters that turn to scabs within a couple of days;
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Initial symptoms appear 2 days before the rash, which can then last for up to 6 days. |
| Self-Help Advice |
- Apply a suitable lotion to ease the irritation;
- Give children a sugar-free ice lolly to help reduce temperature and replace fluids;
- A warm, soap-free bath with a few teaspoons of bicorbonate of soda added can help.
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| Over-the-Counter Medication |
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If in doubt, discuss over-the-counter medication with your pharmacist.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to ease the symptoms and reduce temperature;
- Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16.
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| When to Contact the Surgery |
- If you are pregnant or have given birth within the previous 7 days;
- If you have cancer, HIV or other illnesses that affect the immune system;
- If you have difficulty breathing or develop flu-like symptoms.
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