Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness common among children. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and characterized by a rash of fluid-filled blisters all over the body. Prior to 1995, approximately 90 percent of children developed chickenpox; since then a vaccine has been developed to prevent chickenpox. It is generally administered when a child is 12 to 15 months old, with a booster shot at the age of four. Since the vaccine, the percentage of children with chickenpox has dropped to 70.

Causes

The varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox is transmitted effortlessly from person to person. A sneeze, cough, or physical contact can transfer the virus. Because it is common in children, schools can be a breeding ground for chickenpox. A person with the virus is most contagious in the first few days, even before the rash appears. They remain contagious for about a week, until the blisters have formed scabs.

Even if a person has had the chickenpox vaccine, there is still a 20 percent chance they can get the illness. In these instances, the symptoms are mild, with less than 50 blisters appearing.

Symptoms

Generally, chickenpox is considered a mild disease. Most children with chickenpox recover fully after a few weeks. Symptoms begin a little over week after exposure to the virus. They start as flu-like symptoms: headache, fever, and loss of appetite. One to two days later, the trademark symptom of chickenpox appears: a red, itchy rash on the body. The rash usually starts on the face, chest, and back then spreads to the limbs. It is possible to develop up to 500 bumps on the body. There are three stages of the rash, beginning with the red bumps. These bumps then become extremely itchy blisters that are filled with fluid. The blisters break, dry out, and scab. New blisters continue to appear for five days, and generally will dry out and become crusted within a week. Once the blisters have crusted, they will disappear within three weeks.

Although difficult, it is advised to resist scratching the itchy chickenpox blisters as much as possible. Bacteria frequently hide under fingernails. Scratching can pass these bacteria to the blisters; and if they become infected, the blisters can cause scarring.

Chickenpox Complications

In rare cases, complications can arise from chickenpox. Only two out of 100,000 children die from chickenpox. In adults, the number jumps slightly to 30 out of 100,000. If blisters form within the mouth, they can cause difficulty swallowing. Spots can also develop on the larynx and airway, resulting in labored breathing. People with weaker immune systems can develop serious infections. In roughly one out of 400 people, a lung infection can occur. Even rarer is encephalitis, a brain infection that causes confusion, headaches, and seizures. Other infections include heart, bone, skin, and joints.

After chickenpox symptoms have subsided, it is very unlikely for a person to ever get the illness again, though a portion of the varicella-zoster virus can remain in the nerve cells. For some people, the virus returns in adulthood as shingles. They can then transfer chickenpox to people who have not had it since both illnesses come from the same virus. Shingles, however, cannot be passed from person to person.

Shingles shares the symptoms of chickenpox and usually goes away in a few weeks. A vaccine was developed in 2006 for anyone 60 and older, people with weakened immune systems, or women who are pregnant.

If a woman develops chickenpox while pregnant, it can affect an unborn child. The closer to childbirth, the worse chickenpox can be for the newborn, leading to low birth weight, defects, and a serious infection.

Diagnosing Chickenpox

A doctor will usually identify chickenpox by its trademark rash. A medical history will also reveal that the child has not yet had chickenpox. If necessary, additional tests can be done to confirm chickenpox.

The first is antibody testing, in which a blood test looks for antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus. If antibodies are present, it means the body is producing them to fight off the infection.

Chickenpox can also be confirmed with a viral detection test. This uses samples of blood, fluid, or tissue and examines it for the presence of the varicella-zoster virus in cells.

Treating Chickenpox

Chickenpox is treated by focusing on its agitating symptoms. Because a virus causes chickenpox, antibacterial medications do not have an effect and are only prescribed if the sores become infected by bacteria. The severity of contagiousness will keep a child from school and activities where they are interacting with other children for at least a week. During this time, when symptoms are at their worst, treatment is designed to provide relief from itchiness. Chickenpox blisters are extremely itchy and can cause scarring if a child scratches them too often. Ways to reduce this include:

• Using wet compresses on blisters

 

• Taking lukewarm baths containing oatmeal every few hours to help reduce the itchy feeling

 

• Applying calamine lotion to itchy areas

 

• Acetaminophen can relieve pain; never give a child aspirin, as it has been linked to a serious condition known as Reyes syndrome

 

• Avoiding eating acidic or hot food, especially if blisters have formed in the mouth or throat

There are times when complications can arise from chickenpox. Be sure to monitor the symptoms. If a person with chickenpox experiences a fever lasting longer than four days, has a bad headache, seems confused and dizzy, or has blisters that leak pus contact a doctor immediately.

Prevention of Chickenpox

Chickenpox can be prevented with the varicella vaccine. It is effective for up to 90 percent of people who receive it. The vaccine is administered in two doses; the first shot is given when a child is 12 to 15 months old, and a booster is given between ages four and six. Older children and adults who have never received the vaccine or had chickenpox can also get the vaccine. Side effects are usually a swelling at the site of injection, a fever, or a mild rash. In extremely rare cases, a person can develop pneumonia.

The most common side effects are pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Severe reactions are rare. Women who are pregnant should not have the vaccine, along with people who are ill from another disease.

Chickenpox is a mild disease that can cause discomfort for several days, but will usually go away without incident. Those with a weaker immune system or anyone who starts to experience symptoms outside of normal chickenpox should contact a doctor immediately.