Baby and Chickenpox? Help!

[flightlessbird11]

[Ok, so I care for a 10 month old, and today he came in, and I noticed during his first diaper change that he had some red bumps on his legs. I checked his back and he has them there too. So I did a complete check, and he has them all over. His face, neck, ears, legs, arms and back. They almost look like mosquito bites, they are red, swollen looking and kind of look like they have puss starting in the center of them. He had a very high fever last Friday-103.4, and mom brought him to the doctor, but they said the doc didnt find anything wrong. I've read that that's how the chicken pox start-with a high fever, no other apparent symptoms, then they will seem better, then a few days later they get the spots.

So, my question is, do I exclude him? I'm aware that exposure starts before they ever get a spot on them, and chances are that everyone else has been exposed, but aren't they still contagious until the last spot crusts over?

I don't take illness lightly, so I'm more on the side of better safe than sorry, but perhaps someone with more knowledge on the subject could help me out.

Thanks in advance.

**so, baby didnt have chickenpox. The Dr. said they were bug bites. They sure didnt look like bug bites to me, but she did have a Dr. note. That's a relief!**

[youretooloud]

I'd want to know for sure it's chicken Pox. From your description, it sounds like chicken Pox.

But, I (just me, personally) wouldn't exclude him unless he's miserable. He's already exposed everybody. Maybe have him go home today, and make sure it's CP, then go from there.

I'd be worried if I had a newborn, but if the 10 month old was the youngest, I wouldn't worry too much.

I'm not a huge fan of the chicken Pox shot, and preferred my kids just get the real illness rather than the shot and any problems that might show up in 20 years.

[youretooloud]

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/chicken_pox.html

And, yes, he'll be contagious for about a week.

[Blackcat31]

http://hennepin.us/files/HennepinUS/HSPHD/Public%20Health%20Protection/Epidemiology/Daycare%20Manual/1235_chickenpox%20parent.pdf

http://hennepin.us/files/HennepinUS/HSPHD/Public%20Health%20Protection/Epidemiology/Daycare%20Manual/1230_s6ChickenPOX.pdf

Parent sheet and fact sheet. Hope it helps.

[SilverSabre25]

I'd want to know for sure it's chicken Pox. From your description, it sounds like chicken Pox.

But, I (just me, personally) wouldn't exclude him unless he's miserable. He's already exposed everybody. Maybe have him go home today, and make sure it's CP, then go from there.

I'd be worried if I had a newborn, but if the 10 month old was the youngest, I wouldn't worry too much.

I'm not a huge fan of the chicken Pox shot, and preferred my kids just get the real illness rather than the shot and any problems that might show up in 20 years.

ditto to every last bit!

[flightlessbird11]

http://hennepin.us/files/HennepinUS/...x%20parent.pdf

http://hennepin.us/files/HennepinUS/HSPHD/Public%20Health%20Protection/Epidemiology/Daycare%20Manual/1230_s6ChickenPOX.pdf

Parent sheet and fact sheet. Hope it helps.

Thank you blackcat31! I printed these up to give to the mom. Very helpful.

[flightlessbird11]

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infecti...icken_pox.html

And, yes, he'll be contagious for about a week.

Thank you for the info! That helps.

[grandmom]

Pick a location on his body and put a little pen mark right next to every spot. Check it in an hour. Then you will know that a) all the spots have remained that were there an hour ago which likely rules out hives, and b) there are new spots - or there aren't. That will help here when she calls the doctor.

[flightlessbird11]

no chicken pox- bug bites. Weird. She has a Dr.'s note, so thats a relief.

[nannyde]

Any chance they are flea bites? If so, you may need to treat your house.

Did you SEE the doc note?

[Michael]

Bed bugs maybe?

[flightlessbird11]

Mom just informed me that she let him crawl around their backyard two nights ago. A liitle background: we are in northern MN, it's late July, mosquito season, and they live in the woods.

Well no kidding!! If she had told me that! I've seen their backyard and there is lots of grass, trees, weeds..etc. And I'm sure TONS of bugs. Especially if he was out there-no bug spray, in the evening, when it's hot.

Mystery solved. (I hope!)

[flightlessbird11]

Any chance they are flea bites? If so, you may need to treat your house

Did you SEE the doc note?

I dont think they are flea bites. They actually look much better today.

Not yet actually. She had to stop back at the Dr.'s office this afternoon to pick it up. I don't think this mom would lie about it. She is actually one of the best clients I've had. Very respectful of my policies and what not.