Chickenpox
otherwise known medically as VARICELLA is
a virus infection characterized by a rash of small red spots that first appear
on the chest and back and then spread to cover other parts of he body, these
rash are usually preceded by mucus discharge from the nose, fever and sore
throat.
These
spots develop in a fast rate and become clear, round blisters of different
sizes.
These become milky in color and within 3 or 4 days become shrivel-up as scabs which usually take up to week to fall off.
Another possible symptom in acute case is a rise in temperature to about 39o-40oc which may last for 3 days which is accompanied by 1 or 2 more waves of rash.
The acute illness last for 3 – 4 days, but it is usually another 7 – 10 days before he spots have disappeared.
Chickenpox is caused by a virus that spreads very easily to people
who haven't had it before. If you have had it before, you'll usually be
immune for life.
The infection is spread in the fluid found in chickenpox blisters and the droplets in the coughs or sneezes of someone with the infection.
You can catch chickenpox from:
These
spots develop in a fast rate and become clear, round blisters of different
sizes.These become milky in color and within 3 or 4 days become shrivel-up as scabs which usually take up to week to fall off.
Another possible symptom in acute case is a rise in temperature to about 39o-40oc which may last for 3 days which is accompanied by 1 or 2 more waves of rash.
The acute illness last for 3 – 4 days, but it is usually another 7 – 10 days before he spots have disappeared.
Spots
usually spread to the rest of the trunk, face as well as the limbs. Spots may
also appear in mucous membranes, such as those of the mouth and vagina, or in
the ears.
Adults
are less likely to be infected by the disease, because by age 15 about 75% of
children have had chickenpox, and it is unusual to get the disease a second
time.
People in poor health and the elderly should avoid contact with child with the infection, as it may cause a related disorder SHINGLES which is more common in adults.
People in poor health and the elderly should avoid contact with child with the infection, as it may cause a related disorder SHINGLES which is more common in adults.
IS CHICKENPOX CONTAGIOUS
The
disorder is contagious; the first symptoms appear twelve to 17 days after
contact with the disease. The contagious stage extends from about 5 days before
the outbreak of the rash until six days after the first crop of blisters has
disappeared. It is medically advisable to isolate the patient once the spots
appear.
The infection is spread in the fluid found in chickenpox blisters and the droplets in the coughs or sneezes of someone with the infection.
You can catch chickenpox from:
- contaminated surfaces
- contaminated objects, such as toys or bedding
- touching chickenpox blisters or the shingles rash
- face-to-face contact with an infected person, such as having a conversation
- being in the same room as an infected person for 15 minutes or more
TREATMENT
Calamine
lotion has a soothing effect on irritating spots, and a physician may prescribe
an antihistamine drug [also useful for its sedative effect] to reduce the
irritation.
It is most important to keep the patient from scratching the spots, because further infection can result if the skin is broken. For this reason, babies and small children may sometimes have to wear gloves.
It is most important to keep the patient from scratching the spots, because further infection can result if the skin is broken. For this reason, babies and small children may sometimes have to wear gloves.
A physician may
prescribe aspirin, taken every four hours, to reduce the fever and the
headache. A child must be encouraged to drink plenty of liquids. Nightwear and
bedclothes should be light and preferably made of cotton, because wool and
synthetic fabrics are likely to be irritating o the skin.
or you can treat at home...
or you can treat at home...
- take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol to relieve fever and discomfort
- use calamine lotion, moisturising creams or cooling gels to ease itching
- tap or pat the skin rather than scratching it – it's important to avoid scratching because this can lead to further problems
- drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
RECOVERY
A patient
may be irritable and unusually tired for about a week after the symptoms of
chickenpox have disappeared, so it is important that he or she does not return to
school/work too soon after the illness.
Most people with chickenpox will make a full recovery. But occasionally serious complications can occur.
These are more common in adults, pregnant women, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.
Possible complications include:
Most people with chickenpox will make a full recovery. But occasionally serious complications can occur.
These are more common in adults, pregnant women, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.
Possible complications include:
- a bacterial skin infection – this can cause the skin to become red, swollen and painful
- a lung infection (pneumonia) – this can cause a persistent cough, breathing difficulties and chest pain
- pregnancy problems – including the infection spreading to the unborn baby
To Receive update directly to your Facebook wall Click Here >> Facebook to like our Facebook page
You can also follow us on twitter by clicking here >> Twitter
Comments "CHICKENPOX: ALL YOU SHOULD KNOW AND TREATMENT."
Post a Comment