All You Need To Know About ChickenPox

CHICKENPOX, known as varicella, is essentially a viral illness where the person experiences extremely itchy red rashes and painful red blisters. Considered to be among the most infectious diseases in childhood, the effects of this condition may be mild during the younger ages, but the risk of complications, such as bacterial pneumonia, rise as one grows older. On the other hand, individuals who have been infected by this illness once, develop a lifetime immunity against it. In rare cases, the virus may remain dormant in the body and reactivate a few years later in the form of shingles.

UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES OF CHICKENPOX

This illness is caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus and is commonly spread by saliva droplets of cough or a sneeze. It can also be caused by coming in contact with bed linens, clothing and blisters of an infected individual. While the onset of CHICKENPOX SYMPTOMS occurs about 10 to 21 days after exposure, the illness is considered to be the most contagious 1-2 days prior to the appearance of the rash up until it has completely dried off and scabbed over.

IDENTIFYING CHICKENPOX SYMPTOMS

Chickenpox appears as an extremely itchy rash that starts from the torso, making its way up to the neck, the face and then down the limbs. The pox will last anywhere between 7 and 10 days once the rash begins, develops as red bumps and eventually turn into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually drain out and scab over. They may also appear in the mouth, scalp, around the eyes and on the genitals and may be extremely painful. This process continues for about two weeks until the sores get healed. Remember that the illness continues to be contagious till the spots haven’t entirely dried up.

SEEKING CHICKENPOX TREATMENT

While the only way to ensure CHICKENPOX PREVENTION is to avoid interacting with affected individuals, it is not always possible. It is highly recommended that you visit a doctor if –

• You think your child has the chickenpox
• The illness comes with extreme pain, rashes produce a greenish discharge or skin around the blisters is red. These are all signs of secondary bacterial infections.
• You experience a stiff neck along with the illness, insomnia, lack of energy, etc.
• When your child is recovering but develops a fever, is nauseous, gets drowsy or has convulsions.
• You get chickenpox as an adult.
• You are pregnant and have never been exposed to the disease in the past.

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