INFORMATION ON CHICKENPOX

Chickenpox is one of the classic childhood diseases, and one of the most contagious. The affected child or adult may develop hundreds of itchy, fluid-filled blisters that burst and form crusts. Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. People who get the virus often develop a rash of spots that look like blisters all over their bodies. The blisters are small and sit on an area of red skin that can be anywhere from the size of a pencil eraser to the size of a dime. The virus that causes chickenpox is varicella-zoster, a member of the herpesvirus family. The same virus also causes herpes zosterin adults.

SYNONYMS OF CHICKENPOX

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Chickenpox.
2. Varicella-zoster virus.
3. Herpes virus.
4. Human herpesvirus 3.
5. Varicella-zoster immune globulin.
6. Bacterial superinfection.

CAUSES OF CHICKENPOX

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. The same virus causes both chickenpox and shingles. Varicella zoster virus is a member of the herpes virus family. Direct person-to-person contact with lesions and/or airborne droplets spreads the V-Z virus. Neonatal varicella is caused by maternal viremia, leading to spread of the virus across the placenta.

SYMPTOMS OF CHICKENPOX

Chickenpox typically produces a mild fever and an itchy outbreak of blisters on the scalp, face, and torso. The blisters dry and become scabs in 4 to 5 days. The blisters occur in successive crops that can produce hundreds of scabs. An infected person is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and until all blisters have formed scabs. Chickenpox blisters are usually less than a quarter of an inch wide, have a reddish base, and appear in bouts over 2 to 4 days. The rash may be more extensive or severe in kids who have skin disorders such as eczema.

DIAGNOSIS OF CHICKENPOX

Chicken pox is typically diagnosed clinically based on the history of viral symptoms and the characteristic appearance of the rash.

TREATMENT OF CHICKENPOX

The treatment of chickenpox mostly consists of easing the symptoms. Avoid scratching the blisters because of the risk of infection. Cut the nails short or make the patient wear gloves. Pay attention to personal hygiene. Calamine lotion will help to relieve the itching. Keep the patient in cold surroundings, as heat and sweat may make the itching worse. In attacks of chickenpox where the itching is so serious that the child's sleep is totally disturbed, antihistamine medicines with a heavily sedative effect can be used. Antihistamines are medicines for allergic reactions, motion sickness or insomnia. In serious cases of chickenpox in people with a weak immune system, acyclovir, which works specifically against chickenpox, can be used.