dancing cloud Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Anyone else had chicken pox as an adult? At my not-exactly-spring-chicken age of 47, it's come as something of an unwelcome shock, and it's definitely chickenpox . Any suggestions for getting rid of it asap? Thinking back, it started on Saturday when I had an aching back and felt a bit rough, but I paid that no heed as I'd been shifting chicken food sacks on Friday and just assumed I'd pulled my back. Sunday, I felt like I had flu and found a couple of what I thought were insect bites, but I was off to choose two new hens, so again thought nothing of it. Monday morning, I was covered in spots front and back, and it was obviously chickenpox. Thankfully, my dad's had it as a child so I'm no risk to him and confirmed that I definitely haven't had it before. Apparently, my brother got it and was quickly quarantined, so I didn't. I spoke to the doctor by phone, rather than go to the surgery and infect everyone there and, apart from taking ibuprofen and anti-histamine, there doesn't seem to be anything other than sit it out. The pharmacist recommended eurax cream for the itching, so I've got that and have used it now, rather than wait till the itching gets going. I've even got spots on my gums ! I'm going to have to stay away from people for about a week, till I'm not infectious, so two new little girls and the Olympics to watch will be very welcomed. There are too many spots behind my ears for me to wear my glasses for long and I can't see well enough to read without them . Anyone else experienced this as an adult? Any and all treatment suggestions very welcomed ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Oh no I can't offer any advice, sorry, but plenty of fluids and rest Oh a brighter note...I don't know what your weather is like, but it's going between being over cast and rain here, so sitting in watching the Olympics sounds like a great plan Hope you feel better soon. Cathy X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Euugghh! Yes - I had it when I was in my 20s - I do sympathise! Unfortunately adults seem to suffer with the symptoms much more than children do, something to do with our immune systems not being as strong No additional advice to your GP I'm afraid, it's just a case of controlling the itching. Baths are helpful - you can try various things in them - I remember using chamomile teabags! Oatmeal is also supposed to be soothing. All over PJs at night to deter scratching as well - it's when the itching keeps you awake that it is awful. Just remember it will soon be over - takes about a week usually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Oh no poor you. I am afraid I do not have any advice other than the Olympics and chook watching Hope you feel better soon. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I have a friend who has had CP on at least 6 occasions. She cannot build up immunity to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Ooh - hope you are soon "spotless" I feel itchy for you. Get well soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Sorry to hear about his, hope you feel better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 You poor thing . Hope it clears up soon . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarrisonFamily Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Porridge baths are really good....(porridge oats in old sock tied up) ....Aloe Vera gel helps with spots as well............. Don't let the bath get too hot as heat is not good...... Lots of sympathy, taking it easy and relaxing....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlina Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 ouch my ex had it when he was about 40 (we had to cancel a holiday) *very important*!!!!! - go to the doctor NOW for antivirals. Run don't walk The sooner you start taking them, the better they will limit the amount of blisters you get and how long they last Some doctors don't recommend them as 'unecessary' - if you're lucky you won't get a zillion blisters but my ex was literally covered from his (shaved) head to waist and they turned up in places we'd probably not think about as well as weird and v uncomfortable places like between his toes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Poor you - how miserable! Where did you catch it, do you know? Try a few drops of cammomile essential oil in the bath (or th teabag as reccomended) or you could make up a mix of this and lavender oil in water in a spray bottle and spritz yourself all over. Both oils are safe on the skin undiluted too but its best to use them in water, you could add a few drops of Tea Tree to stop any scratched spots getting infected. I did all this with three under 5's who went down with CP sequentially when I was a nanny. Subsequently I had both my boys vaccinated. It has to be done privately and cost about £80.00 for both (no buy one get one free, sadly! ) and, even so the little one got it a few months later but so mildly that he only had about a dozen spots and they didn't seem to itch at all ; needed no meds and was just as normal- only knew it was CP as have a GP mate who checked it out for me! Apparently in the US this vaccine is included with all the other 'normal' childhood ones. Hope you are feeling better soon - take the opportunity to relax and take things easy! Sending good wishes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minnie&Moose Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Poor you! I had it in my mid 20s, just as I was about to move city and take up a new job! It can make you feel awful - I had 5 'lost' days when I have no idea what happened. Fortunately my amazing landlady at the time looked after me, rearranged my move, delayed the arrival of her new tennant, and let my new employers know they wouldn't be seeing me quite as soon as they'd expected It took me quite a long time to recover - I suspect I succumbed because I was very stressed and run down at the time - so I would say try and rest as much as you can. I hope you're feeling much better very soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Poor you. If you have any, bicarb is great in a cool bath to help the itches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Nothing to add re treating the pox, just wanted to say I hope you feel better soon xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Oh I do feel sorry for you. My ES caught it from his younger brother when he was about 15 and he was worse than the little one. I've heard oats in the bath are good but we didn't try. I hope the itching stops quickly for you and that you feel better soon. Enjoy the Olympics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadietoo Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Poor you, I had it as a child, and remember my Mum covering me with Calamine Lotion in fact it was Caladryl....now apparently available in clear version but then germolene pink!..it helped a lot with the itching.... I hope you feel better soon.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 My BIL and his family have just had it, he is 42 and he took anti-virals , he felt ok once the initial fever stage was over. My OH also got it when our children were small he was in his early 30's at the time, he was ok health wise but looked shocking with spots from head to toe. Hope you feel better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I haven't, but just wanted to say the treatments suggested here sound your best option. I hope you get better soon ((hugs)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Ouch! You have my sympathy, I am just recovering from a bout of shingles. I believe the anti-viral stuff is only effective if taken right at the outset - I have to say that I was given a five-day course for the shingles, and it made me feel quite unwell, so having got this far you might be better just braving it out. Hope the itching stops soon, I had CP when I was two and like sadietoo I remember being covered in Calamine lotion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Hope you're soon feeling better Dancing Cloud and you too Olly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Rhus tox is good, they are the homeopathic pillules available in Boots and chemists. They hep with the itching and have done well with both of my children. Hope you feel better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 Thanks for the support everybody and for your suggestions - knew I could rely on Omleteers for sense . I already have essential oils and I'll put porridge oats on the shopping list for my dad. All the best for a speedy recovery, Olly. I looked up shingles and it sounds horrendous . Never thought I'd feel lucky just to be a walking pustule Over-did things a little yesterday - only fitting chicken wire over the run netting so the little ones can't escape when I'm able to let them free range - and felt worse than ever. Feverish all night and stiff as a board this morning. Thankfully the ibuprofen's now kicked in and I can move again without whimpering, and I will try to remember I actually am ill . I'm currently not very itchy as most of the spots are still getting to the blister stage. I've already started using the anti-itch cream and taking anti-histamine in the hope of reducing the itchiness when it gets here. Obviously, I look dreadful covered from head to toe in bright red blistery blotches but, as I can't go out till next week at the earliest, I don't suppose that matters much. There were not so many new spots today, so hopefully I've now got all the spots I'm getting and will soon be on the road to recovery . Perhaps my parents shouldn't have rushed to quarantine my brother after all ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolaLayla Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I caught it at age 16 from my dad who had shingles. I did not mix with many children during childhood so had managed to miss it up until then. That was a long time ago and I just had to use calamine lotion. Although I tried not to scratch I was left with some marks at the side of my face where the spots had rubbed on the pillow but they did eventually go. Hope you feel better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadietoo Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Perhaps my parents shouldn't have rushed to quarantine my brother after all ... My mother used to positively seek out poorly children for me to play with just so I could catch it and get it over with.... never managed to catch Mumps but had most other things before I was ten!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Sympathies to you both. Hope you're feeling better soon Olly it's a nasty illness and dancing Cloud do take care and rest. My OH had it when kids were small and really suffered so hope you are not too badly affected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
