pox Your octor may prescribe other fungicidal ointments or lotions or a fungicide taken by mouth. If a secondary infection has developed, your doc °r may prescribe oral antibiotics and soaking in a solution of potas SlUm Permanganate or aluminum sulfate and calcium acetate. RELATED TOPICS: Eczema; Rashes Quick Reference Backaches SYMPTOMS • Back pain • Tender or sore muscles • Stiffness HOME CARE • Have the child rest in bed, or limit the child's physical activities. • Give aspirin or acetaminophen for pain. • Give lukewarm baths, or apply gentle heat with a heating pad. • Use an extrafirm mattress, or place a bed board or piece of plywood under the mattress. • Do not allow strenuous physical activity until the pain has been gone for at least a week. PRECAUTIONS • If the back pain is accompanied by fever, problems in urination, severe pain, or a sharp pain in one spot, see your doctor. • Do not use muscle relaxant medications on children unless your doctor has prescribed them. • If there is a visible curve in the spine, see your doctor.? Backache is pain, soreness, or stiffness occurring anywhere in the back. Backache is almost as common in children as in adults. Almost as soon as children are old enough to complain of pain and to explain where the pain is, they complain of occasional backaches. Backache may occur more frequently during adolescence. 'Most back pains are the result of strenuous activities that cause stress to the muscles and ligaments of the back. These back problems are usually minor and often correct themselves without treatment. More serious causes of back pain are arthritis, infections and abnormalities of the kidneys, malformations and abnormal curvatures of the spine, compression fractures (usually caused by injuries), and a defect of the growth plates of the vertebrae (the bones of the spine), called Scheuermann's disease. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS A lukewarm bath will help to relieve back pain. Backache caused by stress causes pain and slight tenderness in the muscles that run along the spine. The pain is aggravated by bending and twisting, but it is less noticeable when resting. If physical activities are limited, the condition improves slowly day by day. ? Backache caused by kidney problems often occurs on only one side. There may be other symptoms of urinary problems, such as burning during urination, frequent urination, or discoloration of the urine. Backache caused by a sprain is limited to one spot near the spine or to a longer area along the spine. Backache caused by a disease of the vertebrae or by scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) may also be limited to one spot near the spine or to a longer area along the spine. Some abnormal curves in the spine can be seen. Minor curves to one side or the other can best be seen with the child undressed and bending forward to touch the floor with both hands. Even a slight curve causes the back to appear lopsided in this position. infectiosum