Chickenpox is a temporary infection that mainly affects children 12 years and younger. Though rare, adolescents and adults over the age of 12 can contract the infection as well. Those affected with chickenpox are usually immune from re-infection afterward. Here is a look at what you need to know about this condition.
Chickenpox Symptoms
The condition begins as an itchy, uncomfortable rash. The rash evolves into fluid-filled blisters and towards the end of the infection, scabs. The blistered rash eventually spreads over the entire body, but it first appears on the face, chest, and back. Symptoms that appear suddenly before the rash can include headache, fever, fatigue, and a change in appetite.
Chickenpox Causes
The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing chickenpox. An infected person is contagious several days before the rash is present and remains contagious until all blisters have turned into scabs. Therefore, direct contact with an infected person is the most common way to catch the virus.
Chickenpox Complications
Generally the disease is mild, but more severe cases can cause complications for those considered high risk, such as infants, adults, immunocompromised people, and pregnant women. In high risk cases such as these, a person may experience dehydration, pneumonia, irregular bleeding, serious infection, or toxic shock syndrome. In rare cases, chickenpox is fatal.
Chickenpox Prevention
At one time chickenpox was considered a normal and expected childhood illness. Today, chickenpox is no longer as common. The varicella vaccine, first given to children between 12 and 15 months old, combined with a second shot at 4 to 6 years of age, is 98% effective in preventing the chances of contracting chickenpox. If a child happens to get infected with chickenpox but is vaccinated, he or she will more likely have a milder case and a speedier recovery.
Chickenpox Treatments
If infected, home remedies that can help relieve discomfort from itching include soothing gels or lotions and an oatmeal or baking soda bath. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is effective for treating a fever and headache. However, chickenpox should not be treated with aspirin. This can cause Reye’s syndrome—a rare, but fatal, condition that affects the liver and brain.
If a high risk patient develops chickenpox, a doctor can prescribe antiviral medications such as acyclovir to prevent serious complications. For effective treatment, the drug is used orally and taken within the first 24 hours after the rash begins. Other antiviral medications include valacylovir or famciclovir.
