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What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is also known as varicella. This disease is characterized with itchy red blisters appearing all over the body. A particular virus causes this type of condition. Usually chickenpox occurs in children. However, chickenpox in adults too is quite normal these days. Chickenpox in children was considered as a childhood rite of passage.

Generally, chickenpox infection occurs only once. But in rare cases, chickenpox may affect more than once. However, the cases of chickenpox have reduced considerably since the chickenpox vaccine was familiarized in the mid-1990s.

The most common symptom of chickenpox is an itchy red rash. This infection stays in your body for around 7 to 21 days before other symptoms shows up. Some of the non-rash symptoms of chickenpox are loss of appetite, headache and fever. Post these symptoms of chickenpox you start developing red or pink bumps on your entire body. These bumps later turn into blisters filled up with a fluid that leaks. These bumps later start becoming crusty and then begin to heal.

Stages of Chickenpox

Chickenpox occurs in stages. These stages of chickenpox are mentioned below:

  • Transmission stage
  • The rash
  • Shingles

Causes of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused due to a virus known as Varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Usually this happens due to contact with an infected person. The Varicella-zoster virus can also spread due to sneezing, coughing, saliva and contact with the fluid from the blisters.

Types of Chickenpox

There are no types of chickenpox.

Treatment

What should you do in case your Chickenpox worsens?

In case your chickenpox worsens, it is best to visit your doctor or pediatrician at the earliest. Your doctor may also recommend certain antiviral medications for reduction in the duration of chickenpox.

What are the available Chickenpox treatment options?

Usually, your doctor will ask you to manage the symptoms of chickenpox while they actually wait for the virus to pass into your system. Children would be asked to be kept out of school and day care for prevention of chickenpox virus. Adults who are infected will also be asked to be indoors.

You will be asked to take antihistamine medications or topical ointments. You may also be prescribed to consume over the counter medications to get relief from itching. The itching skin can also be soothed with the help of:

  • lukewarm baths
  • application of unscented lotion
  • wearing lightweight or soft clothing
  • drinking lot of fluids
  • having sugar free popsicles

You may also be prescribed antiviral drugs by your doctor in case you experience any complications from the virus. Additionally in case of any adverse effects risks too, you may be advised antiviral drugs.

Are there any natural or homemade remedies for Chickenpox?

Mentioned below are some of the natural or homemade remedies for chickenpox:

  • applying calamine lotion
  • serving sugar-free popsicles
  • Bathing in oatmeal
  • Wearing mittens in order to prevent scratching
  • Taking bath with baking soda
  • Using chamomile compresses
  • Taking appropriate pain relievers

When to see a doctor?

Usually, chickenpox will go away with time, however, there are some cases where you should see your doctor or pediatrician. These instances include:

  • In case your child is under one year old and has the chickenpox virus
  • In case your child has a very weak immune system
  • In case your child has a fever that is greater than 102°F (39°C) or in case their fever lasts longer than 4 days
  • In case the fever remains in the body for 24 hours and then goes and then comes back
  • In case your child has a stiff neck or confusion or breathing issues or a bleeding rash

To reduce the time period of chickenpox your pediatrician or your doctor may also advise antiviral medications.

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