Chickenpox: The popular childhood infectious disease.

     Chickenpox  is a highly contagious disease that causes an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin. It is most common in children under 15 years old, but it can also occur in adults, especially those with weakened immune systems. While it often clears up on its own, some cases can lead to severe complications or even death. After recovering, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life as Shingles if the person's immunity decreases.

Causes of Chickenpox

     Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). It spreads easily through direct contact with the rash or by breathing in airborne droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.

Read more: Shingles: A Silent Threat to the Elderly

Symptoms of Chickenpox

     The incubation period for chickenpox is about 10-21 days after exposure. The illness typically lasts about 5-10 days. The primary symptom is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash often starts on the face and trunk before spreading to the rest of the body. Other symptoms that may appear before the rash include fever, loss of appetite, headache, and fatigue.

Stages of Chickenpox Rash

• Stage 1 Pink or red bumps (papules) that break out over several days.
• Stage 2 Small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that form in about one day and then break and leak.
• Stage 3 Crusts and scabs that cover the broken blisters and take several more days to heal.

After Stage 3

     New bumps will continue to appear for several days, so you may have all three stages of the rash (bumps, blisters, and scabs) at the same time. You can spread the virus to others for up to 48 hours before the rash appears, and you remain contagious until all broken blisters have crusted over. Some patients may experience complications such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis (brain inflammation).

Treatment and Self-Care

• In most cases, the disease is mild and resolves on its own.
• Doctors may prescribe antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, for adults or children with chronic health conditions who are at higher risk for severe symptoms or complications.
• Patients should get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
• For high fevers, use a cool sponge bath and take paracetamol to reduce the temperature.
• Avoid aspirin, as it can cause Reye's syndrome—a severe condition affecting the brain and liver.
• If itching is severe, use antihistamines and apply calamine lotion.
• Gargle with salt water if there are sores in the mouth or on the tongue.
• Keep fingernails short, avoid scratching, and bathe with soap to prevent secondary bacterial infections and scarring.

Prevention of Chickenpox

• Avoid direct contact with infected individuals.
• Do not share personal items such as towels, handkerchiefs, glasses, or utensils with an infected person.
• Maintain a strong immune system by getting enough rest, drinking water, and exercising regularly.
• Get the chickenpox vaccine.

• Children who have never had chickenpox should receive 2 doses: the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years (it can be given earlier but must be at least 3 months after the first dose).
• Individuals aged 13 and older who have never had the disease should receive 2 doses at least 28 days apart.
• Those with incomplete vaccinations should consult a doctor.

Chickenpox spreads easily through direct contact with sores or by breathing in respiratory droplets from the air.

Updated

March 17, 2022