Chickenpox or varicella is a highly transmittable condition that is prevalent among children. It is characterized by an itchy rash comprised of small, reddened spots that rapidly turn into blisters and spread in a matter of hours. The condition is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and typically runs its course without any issues.
Transmission
As a viral infection, it spreads from one individual to another via direct contact with broken chickenpox blisters and airborne droplets.
The infectious stage lasts for 3 days before the rash erupts until all the blisters formed scabs. This is usually between 10-20 days.
Indications of chickenpox
- Itchy rash that typically starts on the body and face and later radiates to the limbs and scalp. It can also spread to the mucous membranes particularly in the mouth and genitals.
- It starts out as small-sized, reddened spots that turn into blisters in a matter of hours. After 1-2 days, the blisters turn into scabs.
- Newly formed blisters can manifest after 3-6 days.
- The number of blisters varies greatly from one individual to another.
- The individual might develop fever
It is important to note that the symptoms are relatively mild among young children. Among children, it lasts 7-10 days and longer in adults. Take note that adults feel very sick and takes a longer time to recover and likely to develop complications.
Possible complications
- Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox before
- Individuals who have a weakened immune system such as acute or chronic leukemia or HIV.
- Newly-born infants
- Individuals using medications to suppress the immune system such as long-term use of oral corticosteroids.
Those in the high-risk groups who end up exposed to the varicella zoster virus are usually given an injection of varicella zoster immunoglobulin to increase immunity.
The vaccination for chickenpox is also available but not included in the routine schedule of immunizations. It can be given to healthy individuals who are not immune and children over 13 years old as well as healthcare workers who are not immune.
Management
The treatment for chickenpox is aimed on alleviating the symptoms. An infected individual remains contagious until newly formed blisters stopped appearing and until all blisters form scabs. In addition, it is recommended to stay home while in the infectious phase.
- Avoid scratching the blisters due to the risk for infection.
- Nails should be trimmed short or encourage the use of gloves.
- For fever, provide the child with paracetamol. Make sure that the dosage instructions must be carefully followed.
- Calamine lotion can be applied to reduce the itchiness.
- The individual should stay in a cool environment since sweating and heat can aggravate the itchiness.
- Antihistamine medications can be used for cases of intense itchiness where sleep is disrupted.
- Serious cases of chickenpox among those who have a weakened immune system might be given acyclovir. This medication works against chickenpox.