Chicken Pox

What is Chicken Pox?

Chicken pox, also referred to as Varicella, is an extremely contagious disease that is caused by infection of the virus, Varicella zoster. It results in small painful blisters across the body. It is an airborne disease, which spreads through a cough and sneeze of a contaminated person. Analysis of the antibodies may be done to ascertain if the patient is immune to the disease or not. People normally get infected by the disease only once. Reinfections of the disease are rare, and they normally occur without any symptoms.

Before spreading to the entire body, chicken pox blisters begin to surface on the face, chest, and back. Other manifestations may include fever, tiredness, and headaches, that usually last for 5 to 10 days.

Symptoms

Chickenpox appears 10 to 21 days after introduction to the virus and usually lasts for 5 to 10 days. A rash is the prime manifestation of the disease. Once the chickenpox rash appears, it goes through two phases, small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), and crusts and scabs, which cover the broken blisters. Other symptoms that surface 1 to 2 days before the rash include:

  • Loss of appetite.
  • Fever.
  • Tiredness.
  • A general feeling of being unwell.
  • Headache.
  • Raised pink or red bumps.
  • Malaise.

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Causes

This is a highly contagious disease and spreads rapidly. People who have never had the disease and also have not been vaccinated, are at a high risk of getting affected. The disease is transmitted by direct contact with someone who has been affected by the disease or by breathing in the virus particles.

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Risks

Some common risks of this disease are:

  • Damage to the brain.
  • Damage to the eye.
  • Damage to cervical and lumbosacral spinal cord.
  • Damage to the body.
  • Skin disorders.

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Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of the disease, one should get the chickenpox vaccine. The vaccine is very effective at preventing chickenpox. Most people who get a dose of the vaccine do not get affected by the disease, and even if they do, the symptoms are much milder in intensity.

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How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, the following technologies are used to find the existence of chickenpox:

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How is it treated?

At Medanta, our doctors may use different medication to treat chickenpox which may vary on a case-to-case basis. 

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  • Medications

    Acyclovir, an antiviral medication, is given for the treatment of chickenpox. Generally, over-the-counter medicines are also given to relieve the symptoms of the disease, such as Paracetamol for bringing down the fever. The doctor may advise you to use calamine lotion.

  • Symptoms management

    You are advised to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness. Keep your nails short and avoid scratching to lower the risk of infection.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should consult a doctor immediately, if you notice the sudden appearance of blisters and rashes on your body. If the skin rash is accompanied by fever, headache, and loss of appetite, then it is a serious concern and will require medical intervention.

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How does Medanta provide care?

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Consult with experienced doctors

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    Call us +91 - 124 - 4141414

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