Information about Chicken Pox
We Have to Know about the Chicken Pox
- The red, itchy rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses. It spreads easily from person to person through the air and physical contact
Could be dangerous, if the answer is YES for any one of the following questions
Causes of Chicken Pox
- Varicella-zoster virus
Do’s and Don’ts of Chicken Pox
- Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox
- Recommended for Young children, unvaccinated older children, and unvaccinated adults who’ve never had chickenpox but are at high risk of exposure
Signs & Symptoms of Chicken Pox
- A red, itchy rash that breaks out on your face, scalp, chest, and back
- Rash turns into small liquid-filled blisters
- The rash may be preceded by or accompanied by fever, abdominal pain or loss of appetite, mild headache, general feeling of unease and discomfort (malaise) or irritability
- A mild cough and runny nose the first two days of illness before the rash appears
Medical advice for Chicken Pox
- Contact the doctor immediately once the rash appears
Risk factors of Chicken Pox
- Chickenpox is highly contagious to people not immune to it and spreads quickly within child care facilities, schools, and families. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with the rash or by droplets dispersed into the air by coughing or sneezing
- A person who has chickenpox can transmit the virus for up to 48 hours before the telltale rash appears and remains contagious until all spots crust over
- People who haven’t been vaccinated or who have never had the disease
Treatment for Chicken Pox
- It gets resolved in 10-15 days
Self-care for Chicken Pox
- Don’t scratch. If your child can’t seem to stop scratching, put gloves on his or her hands, especially at night. And trim his or her fingernails to lessen the amount of damage that can be done
- Comfortably cool baths can help relieve itching and provide a playful diversion for a young child
- Dabbing the spots with calamine lotion may help relieve the itching
- Get plenty of rest and eat soft, bland foods
Investigations for Chicken Pox
