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What Exactly Is Chickenpox?
Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes. The majority of instances involve children aged 2 to 8 years old. Adults typically suffer from a more severe disease that lasts longer.
When people catch chickenpox for the first time, they develop immunity or resistance to it and are unlikely to get it again. If their protection diminishes, some people may develop shingles (herpes zoster), a reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
Varicella-zoster vaccination can help prevent chickenpox and shingles. If you or someone you know is infected with chickenpox you should visit a hospital soon. In India, one can consider a hospital in Bangalore, Delhi, or Mumbai as they provide cost effective treatments.
What Causes Chicken Pox?
The varicella-zoster herpesvirus is to blame. People get chickenpox by breathing in virus-containing droplets while they are around someone who has it. It can also be contracted by direct touch with skin lesions on infected patients.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Chickenpox?
The symptoms appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. They include a little fever, a runny nose, a mild cough, a headache, weariness, and a lack of appetite.
Red patches occur on the body 2 to 3 days later, followed by an itchy rash with blisters that dry and become scabs in 4 to 5 days. People may have just a few blisters or more than 500. Chickenpox is contagious 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and for up to 6 days after the blisters erupt. Ulcers can form in the mouth, ears, and eyes.
How Is Chickenpox Recognized?
The medical history and the rash will be used to determine a diagnosis by the health care practitioner.
What Is the Treatment for Chickenpox?
Healthy children do not require any medication, however they may have symptom relief. Fever can be reduced with nonaspirin medications such as acetaminophen. DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TO CHICKENPOX CHILDREN. Itching can be relieved with antihistamines, lotions such as calamine, and oatmeal baths. It is advised to drink fluids and rest. Keep children apart from others until the blisters have crusted to prevent the transmission of chickenpox.
People at high risk of severe infection and those with compromised immune systems (for example, those with bone marrow transplants or leukaemia) may be given antiviral medicines to prevent chickenpox sequelae.
DOs and DON’Ts of Chickenpox Management:
If you’re pregnant and suspect you’ve been exposed to chickenpox, contact your doctor right at once.
DO wash your hands on a regular basis, as well as your bed linens and recently worn items in hot, soapy water.
DO keep your fingernails short to avoid scratching and infection.
Allow for calm activity while resting.
Fever should be treated with nonaspirin medications.
DO inform school nurses and parents of any classmates who may have been exposed.
To relieve itching, utilise antihistamines and cool sponge baths.
DO contact your doctor if your temperature rises beyond 101° F or if you experience weakness, headache, or light sensitivity.
DO contact your doctor if you have vomiting, restlessness, or agitation, as well as a loss of consciousness.
DO BE AWARE that a chickenpox vaccination is available for persons who have never experienced the disease.
Blisters and scabs should not be scratched.
DO NOT expose pregnant women, babies, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems to chickenpox.
Allow afflicted youngsters to stay home from school or day care for at least 6 days after the first blisters form. Dry, crusty scabs are not contagious.
Because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, children under the age of 16 should not be given aspirin.
