What you need to know 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.

Fast facts on chickenpox

Here are some key points about chickenpox. More detail is in the main article.

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 Of Chicken Pox

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.

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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.

Causes Of Chickenpox

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes the chickenpox infection. Most cases occur through contact with an infected person. The virus is contagious to those around you for one to two days before your blisters appear. VZV remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over. The virus can spread through:

saliva

coughing

sneezing

contact with fluid from the blisters

Who is at risk of developing the chicken pox?

Exposure to the virus through previous active infection or vaccination reduces risk. Immunity from the virus can be passed on from a mother to her newborn. Immunity lasts about three months from birth.

Anyone who has not been exposed may contract the virus. Risk increases under any of these conditions:

You have had recent contact with an infected person.

You are under 12 years of age.

You are an adult living with children.

You have spent time in a school or child care facility.

Your immune system is compromised due to illness or medications.

How is chickenpox diagnosed?

You should always call your doctor any time you develop an unexplained rash, especially if it’s accompanied by cold symptoms or fever. One of several viruses or infections could be affecting you. Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant and have been exposed to chickenpox.

How is chickenpox treated?

Most people diagnosed with chickenpox will be advised to manage their symptoms while they wait for the virus to pass through their system. Parents will be told to keep children out of school and day care to prevent spread of the virus. Infected adults will also need to stay home.

Your doctor may prescribe antihistamine medications or topical ointments, or you may purchase these over the counter to help relieve itching. You can also soothe itching skin by:

Taking Lukewarm Baths

Applying Unscented Lotion

Wearing Lightweight, Soft Clothing

Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs if you experience complications from the virus or are at risk for adverse effects. People at high risk are usually the young, older adults, or those who have underlying medical issues. These antiviral drugs do not cure chickenpox. They make the symptoms less severe by slowing down viral activity. This will allow your body’s immune system to heal faster.

What is the long-term outlook?

The body can resolve most cases of chickenpox on its own. People usually return to normal activities within one to two weeks of diagnosis.

Once chickenpox heals, most people become immune to the virus. It won’t be reactivated because VZV typically stays dormant in the body of a healthy person. In rare cases, it may re-emerge to cause another episode of chickenpox.

It is more common for shingles, a separate disorder also triggered by VZV, to occur later during adulthood. If a person’s immune system is temporarily weakened, VZV may reactivate in the form of shingles. This usually occurs due to advanced age or having a debilitating illness.

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How can chickenpox be prevented?

The chickenpox vaccine prevents chickenpox in 98 percent of people who receive the two recommended doses. Your child should get the shot when they are between 12 and 15 months of age. Children get a booster between 4 and 6 years of age.

Older children and adults who haven’t been vaccinated or exposed may receive catch-up doses of the vaccine. As chickenpox tends to be more severe in older adults, people who haven’t been vaccinated may opt to get the shots later.

People unable to receive the vaccine can try to avoid the virus by limiting contact with infected people. But this can be difficult. Chickenpox can’t be identified by its blisters until it has already been spreadable to others for days.