CHICKENPOX SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION What is chickenpox?

CHICKENPOX SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox (varicella), a viral illness characterised by a very itchy red rash, is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood. It is usually mild in children but there is a risk of serious complications, such as bacterial pneumonia.

People who have had chickenpox almost always develop lifetime immunity (meaning you are extremely unlikely to get it again). However, the virus remains dormant in the body and it can reactivate later in life and cause shingles.

What causes chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus. It is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by contact with the clothing, bed linens or oozing blisters of an infected person. The onset of symptoms is 10 to 21 days after exposure. The disease is most contagious a day or two before the rash appears and until the rash is completely dry and scabbed over.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Chickenpox appears as a very itchy rash that spreads from the torso to the neck, face and limbs. Lasting seven to 10 days, the rash progresses from red bumps to fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that drain and scab over. Vesicles may also appear in the mouth, on the scalp, around the eyes or on the genitals and can be very painful.

This cycle repeats itself in new areas of the body until finally, after about two weeks, all of the sores have healed. The disease is contagious until all the spots have dried up. Unfortunately, the virus is also contagious for at least one day before the rash breaks out.

Seek medical advice about chickenpox if:

You think your child has chickenpox. A doctor can confirm your diagnosis.

Chickenpox is accompanied by severe skin pain and the rash produces a greenish discharge and the surrounding skin becomes red, which are signs of a secondary bacterial skin infection.

Chickenpox is accompanied by a stiff neck, persistent sleepiness or lethargy as these are symptoms of a more serious illness such as meningitis or encephalitis.Get medical help immediately.

Your child is recovering from chickenpox and begins running a fever, vomiting, having convulsions or is drowsy. Get medical help immediately.

An adult family member gets chickenpox.

You are pregnant, have never had chickenpox and are exposed to the disease. Your unborn child may be at risk so seek medical advice without delay.

What are the treatments for chickenpox?

Chickenpox is extremely contagious. Keep your child at home until all of the blisters have burst and crusted over.

Most cases of chickenpox require little or no treatment beyond treating the symptoms.

The prescription antiviral drug aciclovir is effective for shortening the duration of chickenpox symptoms and may be recommended for certain people with chickenpox, such as pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system, and adults who seek medical advice within 24 hours of the rash appearing.

In addition, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter painkillers and an antihistamine to relieve pain, itching and swelling. Antibiotics are called for if a secondary bacterial skin infection arises or if the person with chickenpox develops bacterial pneumonia.

 

 Home remedies for chickenpox

Trim your child's fingernails or cover their hands with socks or mittens to keep them from scratching, which could lead to infection as well as to possible scarring.

To ease itching, add a handful of oats or baking soda to bath water. Apply cool, wet towels to the skin and allow them to dry.

Dab calamine lotion onto the lesions to relieve itching

Leave your baby's nappy off as much as possible to allow the vesicles to dry out and scab.

Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use as a gargle to ease mouth sores. In older children, use lozenges or sprays containing a mild anaesthetic.

Give paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever; no aspirin should be given to children under the age of 16.

Keep sores clean by washing daily. Apply lotion afterwards.