Chickenpox

Introduction

Chickenpox is a viral infection transmitted through the respiratory tract. It causes itching, skin rash, and small fluid-filled blisters. It is highly contagious, and symptoms usually disappear after 5–10 days.

Causes

Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus.

Predisposing Factors

• Not having chickenpox before
• Not taking the chickenpox vaccine
• Using immunosuppressive drugs
• Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as cancer

High-Risk Groups

• Newborns
• Pregnant women
• Elderly
• Teenagers
• Immunocompromised patients

Modes of Transmission

• Airborne respiratory droplets during coughing or sneezing from an infected person
• Direct or indirect contact with skin rash

Incubation Period

Symptoms appear 10–21 days after infection.

Symptoms

• Skin rash is the main clinical symptom of chickenpox
• Symptoms last for 5–10 days.
• Other symptoms appearing 1–2 days before the rash may include fever, loss of appetite, headache, and fatigue.
• Most cases of chickenpox initially develop on face, chest and back. After that, itspreads to other parts of the body.
• Chickenpox rash passes through three stages:
  1. Formation of pink or red blisters (papules).
  2. Formation of fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that rupture and leak.
  3. Crusting over of ruptured blisters.

Diagnosis

Chickenpox is usually diagnosed based on the rash. Laboratory investigations, such as blood tests or blister fluid analysis, confirm the diagnosis in uncertain cases.

Complications

Potential complications include:

• Bacterial infections in skin, bones, and joints
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis (brain infection)
• Septicemia (blood infection)

Prevention

• The best prevention is vaccination.
• The chickenpox vaccine is highly effective, significantly reducing symptom severity even in rare cases of re-infection.

When to Visit the Doctor

• Rash spreading to one or both eyes
• Signs of secondary bacterial infection (e.g., swelling, redness of the rash)
• Severe symptoms such as tachycardia, severe cough, vomiting, neck stiffness, or high fever (over 38.9°C)

Treatment

• Doctors may prescribe antihistamines for itching or antivirals for high-risk patients to reduce infection severity and duration.

Lifestyle Modifications and Home Remedies

• To relieve itching, take showers with cold water mixed with baking soda or oatmeal.
• Avoid scratching by using gloves or trimming nails.

Vaccination Schedule

The best prevention against chickenpox is vaccination

• First dose: The first dose of the chickenpox vaccine (Varicella 1) is given at 12 months of age.
• Avoid scratching by using gloves or trimming nails.
• Second dose: The second dose of the chickenpox vaccine (Varicella 2) is given at 5–6 years of age.