As a devoted parent, you’ll understandably keep a close eye on your child’s health. If they seem to have an ailment unfamiliar to you, you’ll want to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.
Shingles are a skin condition, sometimes a reactivation of chickenpox years after the initial event. About 1 in 4 people experience it in their lifetime, but most commonly, adults over 50 encounter it. Consequently, if your child gets shingles, it can seem like a seismic event due to the rarity of it all. Panic can set in from there, as few things spark fear, like the unknown regarding your child’s health.
You can better help your child if you remain calm and focused on bettering the situation for them. Here are some things to remember if your child gets shingles.
Consult Health Experts
Many concerns can be put to bed by following guidance from health professionals. Study up before you do anything. There’s a lot of misinformation online, so only use reputable sources. Use Patient’s resources to learn more about shingles and dispel any unfounded fears you might have. You can find accurate images of shingles, treatment suggestions, and any other useful information you need to know about them.
They also advise that you see a doctor the moment the rash appears. Shingles can be very painful, but health professionals can prescribe stronger painkillers than those available over the counter. Ultimately, if you have health concerns for yourself or your child, you should first consult health experts.
Reaffirm Better Habits
Many parents teach their young children to adopt better habits. They will encourage washing hands after using the toilet and discourage things like excessive fidgeting or skin scratching. While some parents experience difficulties getting their children to comply, they must do so when they have shingles. Shingles can’t be transmitted between people, but those who’ve never had chickenpox before can catch it from those who have shingles. Therefore, your child needs to be extra hygienic when they have it.
Scratching at shingles can also cause scarring, so it’s important to keep that in mind too. The calmer and more composed your child is for this period, the better. Provide positive or negative reinforcement gently.
Give Them a Timeframe
One of the most common questions kids like to ask is ‘are we nearly there yet?’ Others may persistently ask ‘why?’ to everything you say. After all, one study found that very young children can ask up to 107 questions in one hour alone. It’s a daunting task, but you’ll need to do your best to answer shingles-related enquiries.
If shingles are giving them particular discomfort, your child may ask you when they will be shingles-free. Your doctor and your research should have revealed to you that an episode of shingles typically persists between 2-4 weeks. Remember that timeframe and reiterate it to your child.
Obviously, it’s not always a good idea to respond to a child’s impatience. However, shingles are a different kettle of fish, so giving them prompt updates as they edge ever nearer to the finish line can lift their spirits and help them take heart. Morale can make a big difference to recovery in health situations, so give your child all the encouragement they desire.
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