Chickenpox

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Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by itchy rash, fever, headache and weakness caused by varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox is most common in children who are younger than 15 years of old although its occurs in any age any region and any sex. Chickenpox is mild and self limiting disease for most but few developed severe complications. Chickenpox is prevented by taking chickenpox vaccination between the ages of 12 to 16 months.

What causes the Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus; it is transmitted by direct contact or via respiration droplets (coughing, sneezing) from infected person.

What are the signs and symptoms of chickenpox?

• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Dry cough
• Itchy rash start from the trunk then spread into face, scalp and legs. Rashes start form a red papules to vesicle (Fluid-filled blisters) and then crusts and scabs

How is Chickenpox diagnosed?

Diagnosis relies on clinical history and physical examination. Sometime blood test required to rule out any secondary skin infections.

What are the complications of chickenpox?

• Secondary skin infection
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
• Reyes syndrome (it is a complication of childhood which occurs after use of aspirin characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache and delirium.
• Hepatitis
• Sepsis
• Fetus anomaly (if pregnant women get chickenpox)

How is Chickenpox managed?

• Chickenpox is self limiting disease but sometimes antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir decrease the severity of the disease progression
• Avoid rubbing or scratching.
• Antihistamine such as diphendydramine can be used to relive itching.
• Taking bath with lukewarm water and use soothing moisturizer.
• Separate the people from public place (eg. School, office etc) until all sores have crust over because person with chickenpox become contagious until all the blisters have crusted over.

How to prevent chickenpox?

Immunization with chickenpox vaccine between the ages of 12 to 15 months children is the best way to prevent chickenpox.

What is the prognosis of chickenpox?

Prognosis is excellent for most but few developed severe complications.

References:

• mayoclinic.com
• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• medicinenet.com
• kidshealth.org
• familydoctor.org
• medicinehealth.com

Filed Under: Pediatrics

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