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Chickenpox





Introduction

Chickenpox is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is characterized by a blistery rash.
What is going on in the body?
Chickenpox is characterized by an itchy rash that looks like very small blisters on a red base. The blisters look like dewdrops on top of a red pimple. Chickenpox is usually acquired in childhood by inhaling the virus from an infected person. It is also acquired by touching the blisters of the chickenpox rash when there is still fluid in them.
The disease is usually more severe in adolescents and adults. It can be life-threatening in people with autoimmune disorders, pregnant women, and babies born to mothers who have chickenpox around the time of delivery. A fetus can sometimes acquire VZV in the first 6 months of pregnancy. If this happens, the baby can be born with:
  • scarring of the skin
  • malformed arms or legs
  • problems with the central nervous system
  • eye problems
    • VZV remains in the body forever. After recovery from chickenpox, the virus usually remains quiet, or latent. But sometimes the virus becomes active again, causing shingles, which is a painful infection along the nerves.
    What are the causes and risks of the disease?
    Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. VZV is a member of the herpes virus family. 

    What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
    Symptoms of chickenpox usually appear a little more than 2 weeks after exposure, although anywhere between 10 and 21 days is normal. They include:
  • blistery, itchy rash
  • rash appearing on all body surfaces but usually starting on the head and back
  • fever 

    • How is the disease diagnosed?
    Chickenpox is usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the rash. However, VZV can be detected and/or cultured from chickenpox blisters during the first few days of the rash. The person's blood can be tested to determine whether he or she has had chickenpox in the past. 


    What are the treatments for the disease?
    Acyclovir is used to treat complicated or more severe cases of varicella. It is not routinely used to treat mild to moderate cases in healthy children.
    Home care suggestions are designed to treat the symptoms. These include:
  • acetaminophen to treat discomfort and fever over 102 degrees. Aspirin should be avoided in a person with chickenpox because of a link between aspirin, chickenpox, and a serious infection called Reyes syndrome.
  • cool, tepid baths. A cool or lukewarm bath with 1/2 cup of baking soda or oatmeal added to it will decrease itching from the rash. It may help to have several baths a day for the first few days of the rash.
  • calamine lotion to reduce itching from the rash
  • diphenhydamine, an antihistamine medication, for itching. The healthcare provider should be consulted before giving this medication to young children.
  • a soft diet and cool fluids. Avoid salty or citrus foods.
  • covering the hands of small children with gloves or socks to avoid scratching. Scratching can cause secondary infection of the scabs.
    • What are the side effects of the treatments?
    Acyclovir can sometimes cause damage to the kidneys, or kidney toxicity.
    What happens after treatment for the disease?
    Most people recover without serious long-term effects. But the virus remains and may reactivate at any time to cause shingles.
    How is the disease monitored?
    Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. No further monitoring is needed once a person recovers from VZV. If VZV symptoms such as shingles redevelop, a person should contact his or her healthcare provider.

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