Chickenpox or Varicella is caused by a virus called Varicella zoster . It is usually a disease of childhood, but those who have not had it in childhood, can get the disease when they are adults. The severity of the infection will be higher when adults get chickenpox.
A very effective vaccine is available to prevent chickenpox. It is known as Varicella vaccine or varilrix. In most countries, Chickenpox vaccine is routinely given to all children above 1 year of age.
Chickenpox Signs and Symptoms
Chickenpox begins as a common viral infection with fever and body pain. In 1-2 days, there is a red eruption behind ears, neck and body. In another 1-2 days, there blooms itchy, water filled small blisters called vesicles in these areas. Every 2-4 days, fresh batches of vesicles appear and the disease spreads all over the body, including the mouth, throat, scalp etc. The whole disease course consists of 3-4 such waves of eruptions.
Each fresh crop of vesicles is accompanied by a bout of fever, when the virus spreads in the blood stream. In 2-3 days the vesicles which contained clear fluid become cloudy, break down and form small brownish crusts. In another 4-6 days, these crusts known as scabs are shed off revealing shallow ulcers on the skin.
The whole disease process is spread over 10-14 days, may extend up to 21 days if your resistance power (immunity) is low and the disease is severe.
Chickenpox Treatment
There are very effective medications for chickenpox. Acyclovir, Famcyclovir and Valacyclovir .
These drugs will
- reduce the duration of illness
- reduce the severity of the eruptions
- promote faster healing
- reduce the chances of deep scarring
- reduce transmission
- reduce complications like meningitis, encephalopathy, etc. which are very dangerous and life threatening complications of Chickenpox.
The only precaution is that antiviral treatment should be started as soon as the first few vesicles erupt. After 72 hours of onset of the illness, the antiviral therapy will not alter the course of the disease.
Chickenpox VaccineThe varicella vaccinemay be given to children above 1 year. Children below 12 years should receive a single dose while adults will have to receive two doses 1 month apart. Usually the vaccine gives lifelong protection. Those who do get chickenpox even after vaccination get a very mild attack.
The Varicella virus, after an attack of chicken pox, remains in the body in a dormant state and may manifest in later life as Shingles or Herpes Zoster.
Other complications of Chickenpox include inflammation of the brain and its covering, pneumonia and certain neurological complications.
Also see Chickenpox: Frequently Asked Questions.
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purpose only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.
Reference
- Viral Infections, in Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology, 7th Edition, 2004
Hanish Babu - Dr.Hanish Babu, MD is a dermatologist and a feature writer on Suite101.com with more than 200 articles related to skin diseases on the ...
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