Summary about Disease
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is characterized by an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin. While generally mild, it can be more severe in infants, adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. After infection, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later in life as shingles.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is an itchy rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters which eventually scab over. Other symptoms can include:
Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Causes
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is spread through direct contact with the blisters or through the air via coughing or sneezing.
Medicine Used
Antiviral Medications: Acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir may be prescribed, especially for adults or those at risk of complications. These are most effective when started within 24 hours of the rash appearing.
Over-the-Counter Remedies: Calamine lotion can help relieve itching. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) can be used to reduce fever. Avoid aspirin in children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Antihistamines: Can help to relive itchiness
Is Communicable
Yes, chickenpox is highly communicable. It is contagious from 1-2 days before the rash appears until all blisters have crusted over.
Precautions
Vaccination: The chickenpox vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the disease.
Isolation: Stay home from school or work until all blisters have crusted over.
Avoid Contact: Avoid close contact with pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Hygiene: Practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing.
Avoid scratching: Try to avoid scratching the blisters to prevent secondary skin infections.
How long does an outbreak last?
The illness typically lasts 5-10 days from the appearance of the rash to the point where all blisters have crusted over.
How is it diagnosed?
Chickenpox is usually diagnosed based on the characteristic rash. In some cases, a doctor may take a sample from a blister to confirm the diagnosis with a laboratory test.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation Period: 10-21 days after exposure to the virus, before any symptoms appear.
Initial Symptoms: 1-2 days before the rash: fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite.
Rash Development:
Small, itchy red spots appear, often starting on the face, chest, and back.
Spots turn into fluid-filled blisters (vesicles).
Blisters break open and leak.
Blisters crust over.
Crusting: All blisters will typically crust over within 5-7 days after the rash appears. The person is no longer contagious once all blisters are crusted.
Important Considerations
Complications: While usually mild, chickenpox can lead to complications such as secondary bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and, rarely, death. Complications are more common in infants, adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Shingles: After having chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. It can reactivate later in life as shingles, a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body.
Pregnancy: Chickenpox during pregnancy can be dangerous for the fetus, especially if contracted early or late in the pregnancy.
Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems (e.g., those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressant medications) are at higher risk of severe chickenpox and complications.
Newborns: Newborns whose mothers get chickenpox shortly before or after delivery are at risk of severe chickenpox.