The painkiller you should never give a child with chickenpox – however itchy their rash might be

IBUPROFEN is many people’s go-to drug to dull pain, reduce swelling and generally treat minor illnesses.

But it should never be given to children with chickenpox, experts warn.

GettyChildren with chickenpox should not be given ibuprofen, experts warn[/caption]

The over-the-counter medicine can trigger severe skin conditions in kids with the itchy rash.

One of the most serious is necrotising fasciitis – a life-threatening flesh-eating bug which requires immediate hospital treatment.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, an NHS GP, said: “Ibuprofen can be really effective at treating pain and discomfort in children.

“It can also help bring down a high fever if your child is distressed by it.

“But if your little one has chickenpox, you should avoid using ibuprofen.

“That’s because it may increase the risk of serious skin infection among children who are infected with the chickenpox virus.”

Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Chemist Click Online Pharmacy, added: “Do not give ibuprofen for chickenpox unless it has been recommended by a doctor.

“It can increase the risk of a serious skin reaction.

“In severe cases, a condition called necrotising fasciitis has been known to occur, which is a severe and often life-threatening infection.

“Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and guidance on treating chickenpox from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) recommends that NSAIDs are avoided in children with chickenpox.”

Necrotising fasciitis is caused by bacteria entering an open wound, such as a cut, scratch, burn, scald or insect bite.

It can also make its way into the body after surgery or injecting drugs.

The rapidly-progressing condition kills between 11 and 22 per cent of patients globally, according to the World Health Organization.

Chickenpox, one of the potential causes, is a highly contagious infection that causes an itchy, spotty rash.

It primarily affects children, and usually clears up by itself within two weeks without needing to see a doctor.

But it does carry several uncomfortable symptoms, including:

An itchy, spotty rash Fluid-filled blistersFlaky scabsA high temperatureAches and painsLoss of appetiteGenerally feeling unwell

Ibuprofen isn’t suitable to treat these problems, and medics recommend avoiding aspirin as well.

But there are other options, according to Abbas and Dr Jarvis.

Parents can try giving the child paracetamol to ease any pain and discomfort.

They can also use cooling creams or gels to lessen the itchiness of the rash.

Dr Jarvis said: “You can use paracetamol for pain and distress, but check the correct dose for your child’s age with your pharmacist.

“A drowsy-making antihistamine such as chlorphenamine can also be helpful to treat troublesome itching if your child is over one year old.”

Abbas added: “You can use paracetamol products, such as Calpol, to reduce your child’s fever and pain.

“Avoid giving your child aspirin because it has been linked to some children developing Reye’s syndrome, which can damage their brain and liver.”

The NHS also recommends drinking plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration, cutting the child’s fingernails or putting socks on their hands at night to minimise scratching, bathing in cool water and wearing loose-fitting clothes.