About chickenpox

Chickenpox (chicken pox), also known as varicella, is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Although uncomfortable, most people recover within 1-2 weeks.

There is a blister-like rash, which first appears on the face and trunk, and then spreads throughout the body. Although not life-threatening, complications can arise.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus.

Varicella has an incubation period of 10-21 days.

Chickenpox is highly contagious.

The infection spreads in a similar way to colds and flu.

A diagnosis can normally be reached by observing the signs and symptoms.

Symptoms

The hallmark symptom of chickenpox is a rash.

Before the rash appears, there will be:

a general feeling of being unwell (malaise)

fever, which is usually worse in adults than children

aching muscles

loss of appetite

in some cases, a feeling of nausea

After the rash appears, there will be:

Rash: Severity varies from a few spots to a rash that covers the whole body.

Spots: The spots develop in clusters and generally appear on the face, limbs, chest, and stomach. They tend to be small, red, and itchy.

Blisters: Blisters can develop on the top of the spots. These can become very itchy.

Clouding: Within about 48 hours, the blisters cloud over and start drying out. A crust develops.

Healing: Within about 10 days, the crusts fall off on their own.

During the whole cycle, new waves of spots can appear - in such cases, the patient might have different clusters of spots at varying stages of itchiness, dryness, and crustiness.

Other symptoms

A few people have more severe symptoms.

If the following occur, a doctor should be contacted:

the skin around the spots or blisters becomes painful and red

there are breathing difficulties

Most healthy individuals make a full recovery, as with a cold or flu, by resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

Treatment

Chickenpox generally resolves within a week or two without treatment. There is no cure, but a vaccine can prevent it.

A doctor may prescribe medication or advise on how to reduce symptoms of itchiness and discomfort, and also on how to prevent the infection from spreading to other people.

Pain or fever: Tylenol (acetaminophen), which is available to purchase online, may help with symptoms of high temperature and pain. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Aspirin containing products should NOT be used for chickenpox as this can lead to complications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used at any time during pregnancy.

Avoiding dehydration: It is important to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to prevent dehydration. Some doctors recommend sugar-free popsicles or Pedialyte for children who are not drinking enough.

Mouth soreness: Sugar-free popsicles help ease symptoms of soreness if there are spots in the mouth. Salty or spicy foods should be avoided. If chewing is painful, soup might be a good option, but it should not be too hot.

Itchiness: ltchiness can become severe, but it is important to minimize scratching to reduce the risk of scarring.

The following may help prevent scratching:

keeping fingernails clean and as short as possible

placing mittens or even socks over a child's hands when they go to sleep, so that any attempt at scratching during the night does not cut the skin

applying calamine lotion or having an oatmeal bath to reduce itching

wearing loose clothing

Antiviral medication may be prescribed  during pregnancy, for adults who get an early diagnosis, in newborns, and for those with a weakened immune system. Acyclovir is one example.

This works best if it is given within 24 hours of developing symptoms. Acyclovir reduces the severity of symptoms but does not cure the disease.