CHICKENPOX

Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the Varicella zoster virus. It can be contracted through close contact with an infected person, inhaling infected aerosol droplets (e.g., breathing in the air immediately after an infected person coughs or sneezes), or coming in contact with items or places contaminated by the virus. It is particularly infectious to people who have never been infected (especially children) and the immunocompromised.

Signs and Symptoms of Chickenpox

It takes about 11 to 20 days after exposure to the virus before signs and symptoms begin to manifest. Some of the signs and symptoms include:

• Eruption of Vesicles on the Skin: The most prominent feature of a chickenpox infection is its infamous vesicles. They start from mucosal surfaces such as the conjunctiva, upper respiratory tract, and so on before eventually erupting on the skin. On the skin, they are more concentrated on the chest and back and more sparse on the limbs. New vesicles typically appear every 2 to 4 days, and the liquid in these vesicles is highly infectious, so try not to pop them.
• Intense Itching: If you have never had chickenpox, you may be unable to comprehend how itchy it can be. The vesicles that appear on the skin are usually very itchy and uncomfortable.
• Fever: There may be a slight increase in temperature that lasts for a few days.
• Malaise: A general feeling of unwellness and fatigue.

Diagnosis of Chickenpox

The diagnosis of chickenpox is primarily clinical. This means that a physician can often diagnose chickenpox without running tests. However, some tests that can be used to diagnose chickenpox include:

• Direct immunofluorescence
• DNA testing of vesicular fluid

Prevention of Chickenpox

• Vaccination: Prevention of chickenpox can start as early as early childhood through vaccination. The varicella vaccine is available for people above the age of 1 and is given in two doses. You may contact your local primary health center for more information.
• Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Close contact and inhalation of infected aerosols can spread the disease. Hence, taking precautions when interacting with an infected person is important, especially if you have never been infected.

Treatment of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a self-limiting infection. This means that it goes away on its own after some time – usually 10 to 14 days. However, before it resolves, some things you can do to soothe symptoms include:

• Use of antihistamines like calamine lotion to soothe itching.  Oral antihistamines can also be used.
• An oatmeal bath can reduce itching as well. After bathing, avoid rubbing the skin to dry. Instead, pat dry.
• Avoid scratching.
• Drink lots of water.

Recurrence of Chickenpox

Chickenpox rarely occurs more than once in the same person because the immune system develops antibodies against the Varicella zoster virus and prevents a recurrence. However, it is not impossible to have a second chickenpox infection.