Chickenpox
Chickenpox primarily affects youngsters; it can afflict anyone at any age. Without the need to visit a doctor, it typically gets better on its own within 1 to 2 weeks.
Chickenpox symptoms
The chickenpox rash, characterized by itchy blisters that typically lasts five to ten days, occurs 10 to 21 days following virus exposure. One to two days before the rash, there may also be additional symptoms and indicators, such as:
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Headache
- Fatigue and an overall illness-like sensation (malaise)
Three phases in chicken pox
The chickenpox rash progresses through three stages after it appears
- Raised pink or red pimples (papules) appear over some days
- Vesicles are little, fluid-filled blisters that develop a day before breaking and leaking
- The damaged blisters cover in crusts and scabs, which take many additional days to cure
When to consult a doctor?
Inform your doctor if:
Both eyes may be affected by the rash.
- The rash becomes extremely heated, sensitive, or red, indicating a subsequent bacterial skin infection.
- Dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, tremors, loss of muscular coordination, increasing cough, vomiting, or a fever higher than 102 F are present, along with the rash
Causes of chickenpox
The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for chickenpox infection. Direct touch with the rash can cause it to spread. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, can also transmit when a person who has it coughs or sneezes and breathe in the airborne droplets.
Direct touch with the rash can cause it to spread. It can also apply if you are in contact with a person who has chickenpox, coughs or sneezes, and breathes in airborne droplets.
Prevention and self-treatments at home
The varicella vaccine is an effective way to prevent chickenpox (varicella).
- Avoid dehydration by consuming plenty of fluids
- To relieve pain and discomfort, use paracetamol
- To prevent your child from scratching at night, trim their fingernails and cover their hands with socks
- Utilize pharmacy-purchased cooling gels or lotions
- Discuss the use of antihistamine medications with a pharmacist to reduce itching
- Take a refreshing shower and pat your skin dry (do not rub)
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022