Chickenpox may be a very contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It mainly affects kids, but adults can catch on , too. The telltale sign of chickenpox may be a super-itchy rash with red blisters. Over the course of several days, the blisters pop and begin to leak. Then they crust and scab over before finally healing.
Symptoms appear within 10 to 21 days after you’ve been in touch with someone who has the virus. most of the people recover in about 2 weeks.
Chickenpox is usually mild, especially in children. But in severe cases, the blisters can spread to your nose, mouth, eyes, and even genitals.
Who Gets It?
Children under age 2 are most in danger for chickenpox. In fact, 90% of all cases occur in young children. But older kids and adults can catch on , too.You’re more in danger for chickenpox if you:
• Haven’t had the virus before
• Haven’t been vaccinated for it
• Work during a school or child care facility
• Live with children
How Is It Spread?
Very easily. you'll get the virus by inhaling particles that come from chickenpox blisters or by touching something on which the particles landed.Chickenpox is most contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters are dried and crusted.
The best thanks to prevent the spread of the virus is to urge the varicella vaccine. Children who’ve never had chickenpox should get two doses of the vaccine -- the primary at 12 to fifteen months aged , and therefore the second between ages 4 and 6. People over age 13 who’ve never been vaccinated should get two doses of the vaccine a minimum of 28 days apart.
Complications
Adults have a better risk for developing complications from chickenpox than children. Those with weakened immune systems thanks to cancer, HIV, or another condition also are in danger .Once you’ve had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus stays in your nerve cells for years. It can “wake up” and become active again years later. It can cause shingles, a condition that causes painful blisters. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine for shingles. Doctors recommend it for adults over 60.
What’s the Treatment for Chickenpox?
Chickenpox usually runs its course in 5 to 10 days. But if you've got the itchy rash caused by the virus, which will desire a really while . Fortunately, there are belongings you can do reception to ease your symptoms while your body heals itself.Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for Pain
If you or your child features a high fever or achiness caused by chickenpox, reach for the Tylenol. It can even help relieve pain related to sores that develop on your skin or in your mouth. It’s safe for many people, including pregnant women and youngsters over 2 months old.Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers, like ibuprofen. If you've got chickenpox, it can cause you to very ill. Never give aspirin to children under age 16. It can cause a significant complication called Reye’s syndrome.
Don’t Scratch That Itch
Yes, it’s tempting. But scratching your rash can put you in danger for a bacterial skin infection. It could also cause scarring. Try the following pointers to calm your itchy skin:• Tap or pat -- don’t scratch -- your itch
• Take a cool oatmeal bath (you can purchase it at your local drugstore). Dab or pat (don’t rub) your skin dry.
• Wear loose, cotton clothing so your skin can breathe
• Dab lotion on your itchy spots
• Try an antihistamine, like Benadryl, to ease your symptoms
Keep Your Cool
Heat and sweat cause you to itch more. Use a cool, wet washcloth on super-itchy areas to calm your skin.Stay Hydrated
Drink many fluids to assist your body rid itself of the virus faster. It’ll also keep you from getting dehydrated.Choose water over sugary drinks or sodas, especially if you or your child has chickenpox within the mouth. Sugar-free popsicles are an honest choice, too.
Avoid hard, spicy, or salty foods which will make your mouth sore.
Prescription Medications
If you’ve been exposed to someone who has chickenpox but don’t have symptoms yet, your doctor may offer you an injection of a treatment called immunoglobulin. It can help prevent severe chickenpox. Your doctor may consider this therapy if you’re:• Pregnant
• A smoker
• Living with HIV
• Having chemotherapy (“chemo”) or taking high doses of steroid medication
Newborn babies under 4 weeks old also are at increased risk for complications from chickenpox.
If you’re in danger for severe chickenpox and have already got symptoms, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication called acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax). It can help to form your symptoms less severe. You’ll take the primary dose within 24 hours of developing the rash. Then you’ll take a tablet 5 times each day for 7 days.
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