‘Chickenpox parties’ never a good idea, warns doc – risk skin infections, pneumonia and deadly brain swelling disease

DOCTORS are warning parents that ‘chickenpox parties’ are never a good idea.

The gatherings – which aim to expose children to the virus to ‘get it over with’ – put kids at risk of “serious complications”, such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia and life-threatening brain swelling.

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Chickenpox parties could put children and adults at risk of nasty complications, GPs warned[/caption]

The caution comes after the owner of a children’s daycare centre discovered that some parents were secretly planning to hold at ‘party’ at the venue, putting healthy kids in contact with a child with chickenpox.

The plan was branded as as “dangerous” and “irresponsible” by other parents, while the owner described it as downright “selfish” after being tipped off by a concerned mum.

Jane Coulson, the owner of Play World in Gainsborough, told the BBC: “Someone deliberately bringing in something like chickenpox is very selfish

“If you want to have a chickenpox party, have it in your own home.”

But Dr Sarah Jarvis, clinical director of Patient.info, told The Sun that “chickenpox parties are never a good idea, full stop.”

That’s because the common childhood illness can “cause all sorts of serious complications”, according to the GP.

“They are not that common, but it can lead to a really nasty bacterial infection, inflammation of the brain, pneumonia and it can occasionally be fatal.”

Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician in general internal medicine and head of Dr Frank’s clinic, added: “Deliberately exposing children to chickenpox might seem like a harmless way to ‘get it over with,’ but in reality, it’s a risky gamble with their health. 

“While most children recover from chickenpox without complications, the virus can cause severe illness, particularly in babies, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. 

“You simply can’t predict who will develop complications like pneumonia, skin infections, or even brain inflammation [known as encephalitis].

“A ‘chickenpox party’ might spread the virus faster, but it also increases the risk of serious consequences – something no parent would knowingly want.”

It has been common practice in the past for children to be sent to play with friends sporting the tell-tale spots, in the hopes of the getting the common childhood ordeal over and done with.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus and is “very, very contagious”, according to Dr Jarvis.

“It’s not as infectious as, say, the common cold because you need to to touch [the chickenpox blisters] to get it,” she noted.

But take into account how much children tend to touch or scratch at their spots.

If they then touch you, you may catch the virus or you could end up passing it on to someone in your household.

Chickenpox is known for its telltale itchy, spotty rash that blisters and scabs over.

But before these spots appear, the virus can also cause a high temperature, aches and pains, and loss of appetite.

It can take one to three weeks for the spots to start appearing after you catch chickenpox – but the illness can be spread to other people from two days before the spots appear and until they have formed scabs.

Prof Joseph said: “For most healthy children, chickenpox is unpleasant but manageable.

“However, for some, it can be life-threatening.”

It’s not just toddlers at risk who are at risk of becoming very unwell from the illness.

“Babies, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system – such as people undergoing cancer treatment or living with chronic conditions – are at far greater risk of complications,” Prof Joseph said.

Dr Jarvis said it was a “really bad idea” to potentially expose children whose immune systems aren’t working well to chickenpox.

“Adults can also get unwell from it if they haven’t had the infection before, especially if their immune system is compromised,” the GP added.

Prof Joseph noted: “The varicella zoster virus can also lead to long-term issues like shingles later in life.”

Shingles is a tingling, painful rash caused by the same virus as chickenpox.

The bug can stay in the body and be reactivated if someone’s immune system is weakened by stress, certain health conditions or treatments like chemotherapy.

Proj Joseph advised: “Instead of actively spreading the virus, we should be focusing on preventing unnecessary suffering.”

He added that “having multiple children exposed simultaneously can also potentially increase the pressure on already stretched NHS services if the children become ill at the same time and require hospital intervention”.

What should I do if my child has chicken pox?

If your little one gets unwell and breaks out in a rash, keep them them away from day care or school, Dr Jarvis stressed.

“You should definitely keep them away from other people, – particularly pregnant women or anyone who’s older – until all the blisters have disappeared and scabbed over.”

Ideally, you should keep them at home “one to two days before the rash appears” as they’re infectious then too, but it many cases “you can’t do anything about that”, the GP added.

She advised parents to speak to pharmacist about how to tend to their tots.

But Dr Jarvis stressed that you shouldn’t given your tot ibuprofen, as it may increase their chance of getting a serious skin reaction or bacterial infection.

Nor should you give them aspirin – nobody under 16 should have it – but other over-the-counter options like paracetamol can help ease your child’s fever and antihistamines may be useful too.

Prof Joseph said: “The best thing parents can do is manage symptoms and prevent the virus from spreading.

“Keep your child comfortable by giving them plenty of fluids, using paracetamol, and applying soothing lotions like calamine to relieve itching. 

“Keeping their nails short can help prevent scratching, which reduces the risk of scarring and infection.

“Keep them home from school or nursery until all the spots have scabbed over – usually about five to seven days.”