Nine out of ten children in the UK will catch Chickenpox¹, most of them before the age of four.  Caused by the highly contagious virus, varicella-zoster, chicken pox results in a number of very unpleasant and often distressing symptoms including an itchy rash, spots and blisters². The resulting scratching can lead to further infections, sleepless nights and permanent scarring³ which is a major worry for parents.

Fortunately, the discomfort of Chickenpox can now be relieved with clinically proven cooling gel – Care ViraSoothe.

The unique gel helps break the ITCH, SCRATCH, INFECTION cycle by rapidly calming the persistent itch. Specially developed to relieve the symptoms of chickenpox, Care ViraSoothe utilises a unique osmotic action – drawing water from the dermis (lower level of the skin) into the epidermis (upper level of the skin) which creates a cooling effect as it evaporates. This not only relieves the irritation but protects the skin’s environment, allowing it to heal naturally which can help reduce long-term scarring.

Nurses involved in a clinical trial of Care ViraSoothe said the gel was ‘very effective’ in relieving chickenpox symptoms and would recommend it for children with the virus in the future⁴. In clinical trials, 70 per cent of children with Chickenpox said they felt an improvement in their symptoms⁴.

Dr Chris Steele, Family GP and resident doctor on ITV’s This Morning, said: “Aside from the many distressing symptoms of chickenpox, long term scarring caused by scratching is a real risk. ViraSoothe is the only clinically proven gel for relieving chickenpox symptoms such as skin irritation, by cooling and relieving itching thus helping ease the child’s virus misery.”

Care ViraSoothe (RRP £5.73 for 50g tube and £8.33 for 75g tube) is an odourless, clear gel that is non-messy and rapidly absorbed by the skin. It can be easily applied all over the body and face and is suitable for children over 6 months of age. It should be applied 2-3 times a day. The gel is available from Boots, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrison’s, Lloyds Pharmacy, The Co-operative Pharmacy, Rowland’s Pharmacy and Independent Pharmacies nationwide.

For more information visit www.itchi.co.uk.

For a free parents guide to chickenpox, please email chickenpoxenquiries@thorntonross.com

Top Tips from Dr Chris…

1. The main complication associated with chicken pox is infected blisters which can happen as a result of scratching. Trim your child’s nails short and apply a cooling treatment like Care ViraSoothe to help stop them itching
2. Encourage your child to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
3. If your child has a fever you may wish to give them a children’s paracetamol to bring their temperature down – always ask your pharmacist for advice
4.   Keep your child as cool as possible, make sure baths are lukewarm and at night time dress them in light clothing and keep bedding to a minimum
5. Seek medical help if your child experiences breathing difficulties, chest pain or their blisters look yellow and pus-filled
6.  If your child has recently been exposed to chicken pox be mindful about visiting people in hospital, friends who are pregnant, young babies or anyone with a weakened immune system such as through cancer treatment or HIV
7. If your child has chicken pox remember to call their school or nursery to let them know