Chicken Pox: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
The varicella-zoster virus causes varicella, or chickenpox, which is a highly contagious infection. Most people recover in 1-2 weeks, despite the unpleasant symptoms. It's a viral illness that causes a rash that looks like blisters. The rash starts on the face and chest and then spreads across the body. It causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. It is especially contagious in those who have not been immunised.
Chickenpox is not a life-threatening illness, although it can cause complications. Chickenpox is the most common infection among babies. Chickenpox can, however, infect adults. It's referred to as a little infection. In severe cases, blisters can extend to the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals.
Chicken Pox Stages
There are three Chicken pox stages in which the infection progresses:
- Stage One: Rashes appear in the early stage of chicken pox. They might also be lumps that are pink or red in color. These are known as papules. They appear on your entire body.
- Stage Two: Over the course of the following few days, the bumps will transform into fluid-filled tiny blisters. These are known as vesicles, and they can linger for up to a day before bursting and oozing.
- Final Stage: In the third and final phases, the open wounds will crust up and produce scabs. This infection can be passed to other persons until all of the spots crust over.
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Get A Second OpinionTypes of Chicken Pox
Chicken pox is a common illness, but there are variations of the disease depending on the severity of symptoms and the age or health of the affected person. Here are the primary types of Chicken Pox:
Classic Chicken Pox
This is the most frequent type, and usually occurs in children. It starts with a red chicken pox rash, and later chicken pox blisters appear. The rash evolves through stages, crusting after a few days. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Chicken Pox in Adults
Chicken pox is more severe in adults. In adults, chicken pox usually comes with a higher fever, more widespread rashes and chicken pox blisters that may take more time to heal. They also face greater risk of complications such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.
Complicated Chicken Pox
Chicken pox, in some instances, can become complicated, causing secondary bacterial infections or other viral complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. This version of thyroiditis is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems and requires medical attention.
Congenital Chicken Pox
If a woman catches chicken pox while she is pregnant there is the very real risk of the baby catching it too. Newborn chicken pox rash and chicken pox blisters can be quite serious and can result in complications, thus prompt medical attention should be sought.
Chicken Pox Symptoms
Chicken pox, a highly contagious viral infection, typically causes a red, itchy rash and flu-like symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms early can help manage the illness effectively.
Chicken Pox Symptoms in Adults
If you're an adult who's had chickenpox for the first time, you'll notice the following symptoms:
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
Chicken Pox Symptoms in Babies
The following are some indications of chickenpox in children:
- Changes in feeding habits, as well as a loss of appetite
- As the infant suffers itching or pain, his or her sleeping habits will change
- Excessive crying or a lack of response to pain-relieving efforts
- The rash is preceded by a fever
- Increased sleepiness
Causes of Chicken Pox
- Transmission through Airborne Droplets
- Direct Contact with Rash
- Contagion from Asymptomatic Individuals
Chicken Pox Incubation Period
- Incubation Period: The incubation period for chicken pox is typically 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. During this time, individuals may not show any symptoms but can still spread the virus to others.
- Symptoms Appear After Incubation: After the incubation period, symptoms such as fever, headache, and an itchy rash will begin to develop.
Risk Factors of Chickenpox
If you haven't had chickenpox as a child or haven't got the chickenpox vaccination, you're at risk of acquiring it as an adult. Other aspects to consider are:
- Living with children under the age of 12 who have not been vaccinated
- Working at a school or with children
- Staying in a room with an infected individual for more than 20 minutes
- Touching the rash of someone who has chickenpox or shingles
- Touching clothing or bedding that has recently been used by an affected individual
Complications of Chickenpox
Chickenpox complications can arise, although they are uncommon in healthy persons who contract the disease. Chickenpox can cause serious problems.
- A woman who is pregnant and has never had chickenpox
- A person who is taking an immune-suppressing medicine, such as chemotherapy
- Someone whose immune system has been weakened by another illness, such as HIV
- Someone who is taking steroid medicines for another reason, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- An individual whose immune system has been damaged by a previous organ or bone marrow transplant
Chickenpox and Pregnancy
The Complications Of Chickenpox And Pregnancy If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox, particularly in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, it can lead to birth defects, low birth weight or premature birth. Pregnant women who never had chickenpox or received vaccinations should avoid exposure and seek medical advice immediately if they were exposed.
Chickenpox and Shingles
Following recovery from chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in the body. In later life, this virus can reactivate itself as shingles. Shingles also produces a painful rash, typically on one side of the body. Shingles is more common in older adults, but it can happen at any age after you’ve had chickenpox.
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Book an AppointmentDiagnosis of Chickenpox
The characteristic rash is generally enough for doctors to diagnose chickenpox. The doctor can advise you on how to avoid issues and which medications to use to relieve itching. If one develops rashes on the body that are accompanied by a cold and fever, one should see a doctor immediately.
The doctor will use a physical examination of the rashes and blisters to assess whether one has caught the virus. The doctor may also order blood tests or a lesion sample test for additional confirmation.
Chickenpox Treatment
Chickenpox doesn't always require medical attention in healthy children or adults. The doctor, on the other hand, will advise patients to do the following:
- Prescribe an antihistamine to help with itching relief
- The disease is allowed to develop according to the stages
- Avoid scratching the itch since this can create markings on your skin and lead to additional skin illnesses
- Wear loose, cotton clothing at home to allow the skin to breathe
- Alternatively, patients might take lukewarm baths and use unscented lotion. Calamine lotion can also suffice
- One may also bathe in oats and pat the skin dry afterwards
- Always avoid touching the skin
- Make sure you're not overheating. Choose a cool, shady spot to remain to avoid the heat
Chicken Pox Diet
A nutritious diet is crucial for boosting the immune system and promoting faster recovery.
Here are some dietary recommendations for chicken pox:
- Hydration
- Soft Foods
- Rich in Vitamins A and C
- Avoid Spicy or Acidic Foods
Chicken Pox Prevention
While chicken pox is contagious, there are several ways to Prevent the risk of getting infected:
- Chicken Pox Vaccination
- Avoid Contact with Chicken Pox Infected Individuals
- Good Hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions
What to avoid eating if you have chickenpox?
Don't eat spicy and hot foods.
Can you take a bath with chickenpox?
Yes, taking a warm bath can help ease the itchiness and discomfort of chickenpox.
How long does it take to recover from chickenpox?
It can take about 1 to 2 weeks for the chickenpox rash to scab over and start healing.
Why does chicken pox occur?
Chickenpox occurs when the body is infected by the varicella-zoster virus, which is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with the rash. Once infected, the body reacts with symptoms like a red, itchy rash and fever.
Where does chickenpox usually start?
Chickenpox usually starts on the face, chest, or back. It then spreads to other parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and even inside the mouth. The rash begins as red spots, which later develop into fluid-filled blisters.
At what age will you get chickenpox?
Chickenpox is most common in young children, typically between the ages of 1 and 12. However, anyone who hasn't had chickenpox or the vaccine can get it at any age, with adults sometimes experiencing more severe symptoms.
How many days does chicken pox last?
Chickenpox typically lasts about 7 to 10 days. The rash starts to heal within this period, and the individual is usually no longer contagious once all the blisters have scabbed over, which can take up to a week.
What are the stages of chickenpox day by day?
Day 1-3: The initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a headache, followed by the appearance of red spots.
