WHAT IS CHICKENPOX? 

Chickenpox is a highly contagious condition that causes itchy rashes with bunch of small, fluid-filled blisters. Chickenpox infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and can spread through direct contact with the rash. It can also spread when a person infected with the chickenpox virus coughs ,sneezes and the people around inhale the air droplets.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHICKENPOX?

The itchy blister rash caused by chickenpox infection appears 10-21 days after exposure to the virus and usually lasts about 7-10 days. Its other signs and symptoms, which may appear one or two days before the rash, include:Fever, Loss of appetite, general feeling of being unwell, headache and tiredness

After the rash appears, it goes through three cycles:

1. Raised pink or red bumps (papules) that break out over several days

2. Small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that form in about one day, break and leak

3. Crusts and scabs  that cover the broken blisters and take several more days to heal

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: Doctors generally diagnose chickenpox based on the rash. In case of doubts for additional laboratory tests may be conducted. 

Treatment: In normally healthy individuals, chickenpox typically needs no medical treatment. The doctors may prescribe antihistamines to relieve itching. But for the most part, the disease is allowed to run its course. Doctors sometimes prescribe medications to shorten the length of the infection and to help reduce the risk of complications in high risk patients.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

1. People who are at high risk should consult a doctor immediately such as: people on steroid medication, new borns and infants whose mothers never had chicken pox or it’s vaccine, pregnant women who never had chicken pox, smokers, cancer patients etc

2. Chickenpox is normally a mild disease. But it can become serious and lead to complications including: Bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, bones, joints or bloodstream,  Dehydration, Pneumonia, Inflammation of the brain etc In case of complications, the doctor will determine the appropriate treatment. 

3. Vaccination is the primary step to prevent chickenpox in addition to staying away from infected patients if a person is high risk.