What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral illnes caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Someone with chickenpox will usually have a high temperature and an itchy rash with red blisters. It is a common disease and mostly affects children.
What Causes Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which spreads from one person to another through droplets carried by air. An infected child can transmit the virus for several days, starting about 24 hours before the rash appears and ending as soon as all the bumps have crusted over. The disease can also be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms of Chickenpox
Early stage (prodromal) Chickenpox may present with:
- Fever
- Generalized body ache
- Tiredness
- Decreased appetite
1-2 days later they develop into:
- Itchy rashes with raised red papules (bumps)
- These bumps later become fluid-filled blisters, which later drain, crust, and heal
Some children may not have the prodromal stage and can present with rashes right from the start of the infection.
How long time takes Chickenpox to cure
The active stage of chickenpox lesions lasts about four to seven days. However, anyone who contracts it is considered contagious—able to transmit the virus to others—from a period of one to two days before its characteristic rash appears until its lesions crust over. Generally, this amounts to a period of one to two weeks.
Treatment of Chicken Pox
In mild cases, no treatment is usually required beyond rest and controlling the symptoms. Occasionally, there is a need for antihistamines to reduce itching or for antibiotics to treat skin infection.
When the disease is particularly severe or when it occurs in children with impaired immunity, the antiviral drug acyclovir may be given. When given early in the course of the illness, acyclovir may reduce the number of lesions and shorten the days of fever.
Preventing Chickenpox
There is no need to take drastic measures to prevent chicken pox in a healthy child; in fact, since the disease is much worse in older children and adults than in preschoolers, many parents feel that it is better to get it over with.
For certain people, however, chicken pox does constitute a serious threat. These groups include:
- Children with leukemia, immune deficiency or another debilitating illness
- Newborns whose mothers developed chicken pox around the time of delivery
- Adults who have never had the disease
- Pregnant women, particularly in the latest stages of pregnancy
People in these groups should avoid children who are currently ill or have been in contact with other children who have chicken pox. If exposure occurs, the doctor may recommend a preventive injection prepared from the serum of people recovering from shingles.
A chicken pox vaccine prepared from weakened, live varicella zoster virus has recently been approved for immunization of children and will soon be included in the immunization schedules. It is expected that, as has been the case with measles, the incidence of chicken pox will decrease dramatically.
Caring for a Child with Chickenpox
- To relieve itching, apply wet compresses or calamine lotion to the affected area. Colloidal oatmeal baths are also quite soothing.
- Keep the child’s fingernails short and clean; you may have to put cotton mitts on infants.
- Change the child’s clothing and bed linen daily.
- Bathe the child with soap and water at least once a day.
Seeking Urgent Help
Seek urgent medical advice if the child with chicken pox develops any signs or symptoms of complications, including:
- Increased redness and swelling in the area of a scratched blister, which could indicate a skin infection
- Confusion and loss of balance, which could indicate encephalitis, a frightening but usually short-lived complication
- Severe vomiting and confusion, which could indicate Reye’s syndrome, a very rare but serious potential complication
Step by Step First Aid for Chicken Pox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While it usually resolves on its own, proper first aid can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Here’s how to care for someone with chickenpox:
1. Relieve Itching and Skin Discomfort
- Cool Baths: Bathe in lukewarm water with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to soothe itching.
- Calamine Lotion: Apply calamine lotion to affected areas to reduce irritation.
- Antihistamines: If itching is severe, consult a healthcare provider about antihistamines.
2. Manage Fever and Pain
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Use age-appropriate doses to reduce fever and discomfort.
- Avoid Aspirin: Never give aspirin to children with chickenpox due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
- Hydration: Encourage plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
3. Prevent Scratching and Infection
- Trim Fingernails: Keep nails short to minimize skin damage from scratching.
- Use Gloves or Socks on Hands: For young children, covering hands at night can prevent scratching.
- Monitor for Infection: If blisters become red, swollen, or pus-filled, seek medical advice.
4. Rest and Isolation
- Stay Home: Avoid contact with others, especially pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, soft fabrics to prevent irritation.
5. When to Seek Medical Help
- Severe Symptoms: High fever, difficulty breathing, confusion, or persistent vomiting.
- Signs of Infection: Blisters that appear infected or worsening skin irritation.
- Risk Groups: If the person is pregnant, has a weakened immune system, or is a newborn.
REFERENCES
- Puri V, Nagpal M, Singh I, et al. A comprehensive review on nutraceuticals: therapy support and formulation challenges. Nutrients. 2022;14(21):4637.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to care for a child with chickenpox. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/rash/chicken-pox
- Heather L. Brannon, Chickenpox Self-Care and At-Home Remedies, Updated on June 18, 2024, https://www.verywellhealth.com/chicken-pox-treatments-1068747
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