Chickenpox: When is the right time to apply methylene blue?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Assoc. Prof. TS.BS Huynh Thoai Loan - Head of Pediatrics - Neonatology Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. Uncle is one of the leading experts in Pediatrics - Neonatology in Ho Chi Minh City with nearly 30 years of experience in examining and treating diseases of pediatric endocrinology, pediatric nephrology and other pediatric - neonatal problems.

Apply methylene blue only when the blisters of chickenpox are broken, at this time, applying methylene blue directly to the broken spots will astringent and prevent bacterial superinfection, disinfecting so that the blisters dry quickly.

1. Identifying chickenpox

Chickenpox will appear in the following order
Patient has fever, feeling tired, headache, anorexia. Abdominal pain that lasts a day or two. Small, bean-shaped nodules appear that are red and very itchy. These nodules can appear all over the body and can spread to the private area, near the mucosa... The red bumps swell up like blisters, inside contain a clear white fluid that turns cloudy after 24 hour. Chickenpox nodules turn to scabs. Chickenpox spots disappear leaving dark spots on the skin that look like scabies and then fade over time or indented scars. (when there is superinfection).

2. What to apply when you have chickenpox?

When you have chickenpox, many people immediately think of applying methylene blue to the blisters. It is not necessary for chickenpox patients to apply methylene blue when the blister has not broken, and patients, especially children, do not like it because it looks very dirty.
Apply methylene blue only when the blisters of chickenpox are broken, at this time, applying methylene blue directly to the broken spots will astringent and prevent bacterial superinfection, disinfecting so that the blisters dry quickly.
On a common skin area, there can be many types of rash: new growth, blistering or broken rash. When the rash breaks, it often leaves scuffs and scratches on the skin, it is necessary to identify the broken nodule to apply methylene blue, combined with keeping it clean, not scratching, if it is not infected, the chickenpox will heal on its own and not leave scars. Trim the nails of children with chickenpox to prevent them from damaging the skin with chickenpox.
If possible, buy a topical antihistamine at the pharmacy and apply it to the patient to relieve itching (don't forget to consult your doctor and read the instructions carefully before using). When chickenpox spots are broken, only clean, disinfected cotton balls with physiological saline should be applied to the broken blisters to wipe off the water, wait for it to dry, and dab methylene blue on the wound to prevent infection. coincide. Note, the patient should not apply tetracycline ointment, penicillin ointment or red medicine. In addition, the blisters should not be poked, but should be left to burst naturally.
When the blisters enter the healing stage, the patient can use topical drugs such as: Madecassol, Cicaplast, Curiosin... with the aim of stimulating the proliferation of collagen links under the skin, increasing elasticity. heals and heals wounds without leaving scars.

3. Absolutely do not abstain from bathing

Many people believe that when a patient has chickenpox, they must absolutely abstain from water and wind, so they do not bathe or wash their body. This is an extremely misconception. There are many cases of complicated skin infections, more severe can lead to sepsis because of not keeping good hygiene.
Instead, the patient should be bathed with warm water, taking care not to bathe for too long like a healthy person. Also, take care to keep your hands and nails clean. Avoid scratching as much as possible because scratching causes the burn to break, which can lead to bacterial superinfection and easily leave deep scars and concave scars when healed.
Besides, the patient needs to pay attention to oral hygiene, brush teeth, rinse mouth with physiological saline. Chickenpox rash can grow in the mouth, when broken, causing superinfection, making the patient unable to eat, need to see a doctor for advice and nutrition during the disease.

4. Do not apply leaves, bathe leaves

There are many families who do not like the topical medicines of Western medicine, but tend to believe in the tips to cure chickenpox with plants according to folk experience. However, doctors advise that: do not bathe sick people, especially young children, as well as taking medicine only when prescribed by a doctor. Because the skin of young children, especially infants, is very thin, the skin structure is not stable, only 1/5 of the skin of an adult, so it is very susceptible to damage, allergies and infections.
Even the leaves, green tea leaves that parents often use to bathe their children are not good, can make children more sick because in these two types of leaves contain tannin (astringent) that is easy to make. for young children's skin is damaged.
Because the skin of young children, especially infants, is very thin, the skin structure is not stable, only 1/5 of the skin of an adult, so it is very susceptible to damage, allergies and infections.
More than 90% of skin diseases in babies are caused by bacteria attacking from the outside, while the leaves often grow on the dusty banks, the stubble is infected with bacteria, even the pesticides are very difficult to wash, even when boiled, so the risk of children getting infected is very high. Even the leaves, green tea leaves that parents often use to bathe their children are not good, can make children more seriously ill because in these two types of leaves contain tannin (astringent substance) that is easy to make children sick. Children's skin is damaged. Although bamboo leaves are not harmful, they should not be used because bamboo leaves have hairs, causing patients to be itchy and allergic.

Vaccination against chickenpox is an effective preventive measure. Chickenpox vaccine is indicated for children from 12 months of age and adults who have not had the disease before.
After being introduced into the body, the chickenpox vaccine needs 1-2 weeks to take effect. Therefore, parents should take their children to get vaccinated against chickenpox at least 1 month before the epidemic season. The duration of immunity (not getting sick) from the chickenpox vaccine lasts an average of 15 years. After this period, we can get a booster shot to prevent chickenpox more effectively.
The consultation and vaccination department of Vinmec International General Hospital is always ready to provide chickenpox vaccine for customers. Vaccines at Vinmec are preserved by the cold chain (cold storage, vaccine refrigerators have a temperature alarm that exceeds the allowable temperature range...). Besides, parents can check their child's injection history and injection plan via computer, phone conveniently.

Importance of vaccinations on time

As recommended by medical experts, even during an epidemic, parents should still take their children to get vaccinated on schedule. Delaying the vaccination schedule can increase the risk of disease that has been ruled out or make infectious and superinfectious diseases such as influenza, measles, chickenpox, pharyngitis, pneumonia... become more severe and difficult to treat. than.
In the first 5 years of life, a child's immune system is completely built, so full vaccination is an effective way to strengthen the child's resistance. Parents should note that when taking their children to get vaccinated, they should strictly follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, such as wearing a mask properly, washing hands often with an antiseptic solution. In addition, parents are always updated with correct information about this strain of Covid -19 to protect themselves and their families from Corona Virus.
In areas where there is no epidemic, mothers can still have their children vaccinated according to the age-appropriate vaccination schedule, but avoid crowded places, make an appointment in advance to avoid waiting and go to the facility reliable medical facilities.
>> See more: Should vaccinations be delayed during the Covid-19 epidemic? expert advice by Specialist Doctor II Quach Nguyen Thu Thuy - Pediatric Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital
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