Chickenpox

Symptoms Of Chikenpox

The symptoms caused by chickenpox infection appear 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and usually last about 5 to 10 days. The initial symptoms may resemble any other infection.

At the beginning of chickenpox, a person may begin to feel unwell followed by the appearance of the classic rash of chickenpox after a day or two. One is contagious to close contact up to 48 hours before the skin rash starts to occur.

The common non-rash symptoms of chickenpox are as follows:

• A fever that usually lasts for 3-5 days and is in the range of 101°–102°F (38.3°–38.8°C).

• Fatigue or tiredness

• Malaise which is the general feeling of being unwell

• Loss of appetite

• Headache

• Muscle or joint pain

• Flu-like symptoms such as a cough or runny nose

Once the chickenpox rash and blisters appear on the body, they go through the following three phases:

• Red or pink-looking bumps (papules): These are often first noted on the stomach, chest, back, or face areas, which then spread throughout the body.

• Blisters (vesicles): The bumps eventually get filled up with fluid, forming blisters that begin to break open and leak.

• Crusting or scabbing: The blisters develop a crust, and scab, and begin to heal. 

In severe cases of chickenpox rashes and blisters start spreading throughout the body. In some cases, small lesions may even form on the throat, around the eyes, and in the mucus membranes of the urethra, vagina or anus.

Causes Of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the virus varicella zoster. It mostly spreads due to close contact with an infected person. The virus can spread through:

• Coughing or sneezing via respiratory droplets

• Kissing or sharing drinks or food through saliva

• Handshaking or hugging through contact with the blisters or the fluid on the skin

• Touching contaminated surfaces like door handles or tables, etc

Risk Factors For Chickenpox

You may be at high risk of getting infected with the chickenpox virus if you have not contracted the infection in your life. Other risk factors include:

• Age: The risk of chickenpox is higher for children under 12 and adults over 50 years of age.

• Non-immunity: Individuals who have not been vaccinated or had prior infection are at a higher risk.

• Exposure: Close contact with infected individuals raises the risk.

• Weakened immunity: Decreased immunity due to HIV infection/AIDS or chemotherapy reduces defence.

• Pregnancy: Increased risk and a higher chance of complications if infected while pregnant.

• Environment: Higher exposure risk in schools, childcare, healthcare, or high-prevalence areas.

• Seasonal trend: More common in late winter and early spring.

• Occupation: Certain jobs or travel to high-risk areas increase susceptibility.

Diagnosis Of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is usually easy to recognise and diagnose due to its classic skin rashes. 

However, if required, a confirmatory test by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can be done. For this, the blister fluid or scabs are tested for the presence of the virus. 

Moreover, tests for antibodies may be performed to determine if immunity is present against chickenpox. These include:

• Varicella Zoster IgG test is used to evaluate the level of antibodies IgG produced by the immune system to fight against varicella-zoster virus. 

• Varicella zoster IgM test is performed to diagnose chickenpox and to distinguish between a recent, current, or old infection.

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Prevention Of Chickenpox

The most effective way to prevent chickenpox is through vaccination, which is included in childhood immunization programs in many countries.

Vaccine

• Children under 13 years should get two doses of the chickenpox vaccine: the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years.

• Individuals above 13 years who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine should get two doses at least 28 days apart.
  
  

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Other ways to prevent the spread

• Isolate those infected to prevent the spread of infection

• Wash hands frequently, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and upon returning home.

• Keep fingernails clean and short to reduce the risk of skin infections and scarring.
  
  

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Specialist To Visit

In most cases, the symptoms of chickenpox are usually mild and often go away on their own. In addition to a general physician, the specialists who can help treat this condition are:

• Pediatrician (in case of children)
• Dermatologist
• Internal medicine specialist
• Infectious disease specialist
  
  

A pediatrician provides diagnosis, symptom management, and vaccination guidance for children with chickenpox.

A dermatologist helps manage skin irritation, itching, and prevents scarring from chickenpox lesions.

An internal medicine specialist monitors and treats complications in adults, especially those with underlying conditions.

An infectious disease specialist manages severe or high-risk cases, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

When to see a doctor?

You must see a doctor if you experience symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Rash on the eyes
• Stiffness of neck
• High fever (over 102 F)
• Bacterial infection
• Loss of muscle control
• Dizziness
  
  

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Treatment Of Chickenpox

Chickenpox usually runs its course in a week or 10 days. The treatment is mostly aimed at relieving the symptoms. Non Aspirin products such as Paracetamol can be taken to reduce fever.

In adults and those with severe symptoms of chickenpox, doctors might prescribe antiviral medication as it can make the symptoms less severe and improve the condition. However, ensure to follow the course of the treatment and do not self-medicate. Some of the common antivirals used include:

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Ganciclovir
• Ribavirin
• Valacyclovir

Do’s and Don’ts

• As a protective measure, those infected are usually required to stay at home while they are infectious. 

• It is advised to not use OTC medications such as aspirin for fever as it is associated with Reye’s syndrome in kids. It is a severe disease that affects the brain and may even cause death. 

• Avoid the use of anti-inflammatory painkillers without consulting your doctor as it can increase the risk of severe skin infections.

• Daily cleansing with warm water will help avoid secondary bacterial infection. 

• Keeping nails short and wearing gloves may prevent scratching and reduce the risk of secondary infections. 

• Applying gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers helps soothe itching and prevent skin dryness during chickenpox.

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Home Care For Chickenpox

Proper home care can help relieve chickenpox symptoms, prevent complications, and promote faster healing. Tips that can help include:

1. Do not scratch the itch

• One of the key symptoms of chickenpox is itchy skin and hence, it is advised to avoid scratching. 

• This is because it not only increases the risk of scars but also can lead to infection. 

• As a safety measure, you can trim the fingernails, tap or pat on the itchy skin, and apply moisturizer to get some relief.
  
  

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2. Use a cold compress

• A cold compress not only helps in lowering the body temperature during fever but also soothes itchy skin. 

• Apply a cool, damp compress over the itchy area as it acts as one of the effective chickenpox remedies. 
  
  

3. Eat healthy

• Opt for home-cooked foods, preferably bland foods, to improve the healing process. 

• Also, up your intake of fruits that are rich in Vitamin C and boost immunity such as oranges, apples, grapes, lemons, etc.

• Focus on a well-balanced diet.
  
  

4. Stay hydrated

• Drink lots of fluids as it helps you to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration caused due to high fever. 

• Moreover, it can also help to flush the viral toxins from the body and aid in quick recovery. Avoid drinking sugary beverages and opt for fresh, plain water, especially if you or your kid has sores in the mouth. 

• You can opt for sugar-free popsicles or hydrating fruits like cucumber or watermelon to replenish fluid stores in the body.
  
  

5. Wear gloves

• It is advised, especially for kids, to put gloves or socks over their hands to prevent scratching. 

• This can not only prevent the direct content of the nail with the chickenpox blister but also lower the risk of infections and limit scarring. 

• Also, wear loose, cotton clothes, which will help the skin to breathe and ease the itching.
  
  

6. Avoid self-medication

• Most people tend to pop a pill for fever or a painkiller for body aches without a second thought when suffering from chickenpox. 

• Aspirin, which is commonly used to relieve fever, can cause a deadly condition known as Reye’s syndrome in children below 16 years of age. 

• Hence, do not self-medicate but consult your doctor before taking any pills. 

Complications Of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is usually a mild disease. Some of the serious complications of chickenpox include:

• Secondary bacterial infections
• Dehydration
• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
• Encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain)
• Cerebellar ataxia (defective muscular coordination)
• Transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord)
• Bleeding
• Sepsis
• Toxic shock syndrome
• Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who take aspirin during chickenpox
  
  

Chickenpox And Shingles

• Although shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus, they are not the same illness. 

• Chickenpox is usually a milder illness that affects children. 

• Shingles result from a reactivation of the virus long after the chickenpox illness has disappeared.

• The chickenpox virus stays in the body even after recovery. 

• Later in life, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. 

• If you have shingles, you can spread the varicella virus to people who have never had chickenpox or never received the chickenpox vaccine. 

• These people will develop chickenpox, not shingles. 

• It takes from 10 to 21 days after exposure to chickenpox or shingles for someone to develop chickenpox. 

Discover the link between shingles and chickenpox and why vaccination matters.
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Alternative Therapies Of Chickenpox

In addition to antiviral medications, few natural remedies are known to help relieve the symptoms and help to get rid of scars caused due to scratching. However, make sure to consult your doctor before you try any of these chickenpox remedies.

1. Oatmeal bath

• Oatmeal bath is one of the most popular natural remedies to relieve itchy skin caused due to chickenpox. 

• For this, you need to cook two cups of oatmeal in two liters of water for around 15 minutes. Now, let it cool, tie the cooked oatmeal to a cotton cloth, and allow it to float in a tub of warm water till the water becomes turbid. 

• Splash this water all over the body to soothe itching.
  
  

2. Baking soda

• This is also quite commonly used to get rid of itching in people with chickenpox. 

• Add 1/4th teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. 

• Dip a soft, cotton cloth in it and dab it on the skin such that the baking soda dries on the skin. This can keep you away from scratching the blisters.
  
  

3. Vitamin E oil

• Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E oil can help to relieve itching as well as prevent scars caused due to scratching of chickenpox blisters. 

• Gently apply Vitamin E oil all over the skin as it exerts a calming and soothing effect on the skin and thus, promotes healing. 

• Moreover, regular application of this oil was found to lighten the scars/marks caused due to chickenpox.