Chickenpox: What You Need to Know About Causes, Symptoms and Staying Protected

Chickenpox is a kind of infection resulting in itchy, blister-like skin rashes. It is a contagious disease that can easily spread from one person to another. It spreads through mouth droplets like coughs and sneezing.

What is chicken pox?

The varicella-zoster virus, a kind of herpesvirus, is the source of this extremely contagious illness, which manifests as itchy, blister-like rashes. Contact with mucus, saliva or fluid from an infected person’s blisters or droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes can easily spread the virus from one person to another. Usually, the rash starts on the back, chest and face before moving to the other parts of the body. Fever, headaches, exhaustion and appetite loss are possible additional symptoms. Serious health issues can occasionally result from chickenpox, particularly in young children, adolescents, adults and pregnant women. It usually starts on the face and near the chest and back region, then it spreads to the rest of the body all the way to the fingers and toes.  

Nearly everyone contracted chickenpox as a toddler or young kid prior to the first vaccine against this illness. However, the incidence of chickenpox has decreased by about 90% since the late 1990s. Nowadays, the majority of kids get a chickenpox vaccination as part of their regular immunisation plan. You cannot get chickenpox from another person once you have had it. You can contract chickenpox at any age if you are not immunised. It is preferable to contract chickenpox as a child or to avoid contracting it by getting vaccinated, as adults who contract the illness can become quite ill.  

Are there stages of chickenpox?

The answer is ‘yes’. Chickenpox occurs in stages. There are three stages of chickenpox based on the appearance of rashes on the skin.  

• Stage 1: It is characterized by red and bumpy rashes, which can last for a few days.  
• Stage 2: It is characterized by fluid-filled blistered rashes, which open after one to two days.
• Stage 3: It is characterized by the blisters scabbing over. It lasts for very few days to months.  

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Common and noticeable symptoms of chickenpox include:

• Low-grade fever
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Stomach ache
• Skin rashes that are very itchy
• Bumps filled with liquid
• Scabs after the blisters break
• Skin that looks blotchy
• Crusty spots that fade away

What are the complications of chickenpox?

The complications of chicken pox include:

• Bacterial infections of skin, blood and soft tissues
• Encephalitis
• Pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Issues with how the blood clots
• Liver problems  

How is chickenpox treated?

• Press a cool, moist rag on the rashes.
• Keep the area hygienic and cool.
• Do not scratch with the fingernails.
• Put lotions of antihistamines on the rashes.
• Take a cool bath.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids to prevent dehydration in the body.
• Medications like antiviral drugs and pain relievers are prescribed to manage the symptoms and destroy the virus responsible for the cause.  

What are the chicken pox prevention strategies and treatment? 

Many people wonder how to prevent chickenpox and what the available treatment options are. They include, 

• The best way to prevent chicken pox is to get vaccinated.
• Avoid contacting people who are having active chicken pox symptoms.
• Press a cool, moist rag on the rashes.
• Keep the area hygienic and cool.
• Do not scratch with the fingernails.
• Put lotions of antihistamines on the rashes.
• Take a cool bath.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids to prevent dehydration in the body.
• Medications like antiviral drugs and pain relievers are prescribed to manage the symptoms and destroy the virus responsible for chicken pox causes. 

Conclusion

To conclude, chickenpox is a contagious viral disease caused by the virus varicella-zoster. It results in skin rashes, blisters and skin bumps. It affects each and every person once in a lifetime. It is a highly contagious disease which spreads from one person to another quickly. It lasts for a few days to weeks and then goes away. There are many preventive methods and treatments available to treat and manage the symptoms and pain.