Published on 13th May 2008 by Corwin Brown in Diseases and Conditions

Chickenpox is a common illness that causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters (pox) all over the body. It is most common in children, but most people will get chickenpox at some point in their lives if they have not had the chickenpox vaccine. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. The same virus causes both chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (zoster). Varicella zoster virus is a member of the herpes virus family. It is transmitted from person to person by droplet infection through the respiratory tract. Rarely the condition may be caused by exposure to a case of Herpes Zoster. Once the virus enters the body it rests and reproduces in the lymph nodes of the body for about 3 to 4 days before it travels to the blood to infect the spleen and liver. It finally rests in the nerve roots near the spinal cord till it is activated. No trigger maybe needed for its activation, but sometimes it waits for events like stress or diminished immunity before it attacks Chickenpox is very highly contagious. It is easily passed between members of families and school classmates through airborne particles, droplets in exhaled air and fluid from the blisters or sores. It also can be transmitted indirectly by contact with articles of clothing and other items exposed to fresh drainage from open sores. Doctors recommend that kids receive the chickenpox vaccine when they are 12 to 15 months old and a booster shot at 4 to 6 years old. The vaccine is about 70% to 85% effective at preventing mild infection, and more than 95% effective in preventing moderate to severe forms of the infection. Although the vaccine works pretty well, some kids who are immunized still will get chickenpox. Those who do, though, will have much milder symptoms than those who haven't had the vaccine and become infected. There is no evidence to support the effectiveness of topical application of calamine lotion, a topical barrier preparation containing zinc oxide in spite of its wide usage and excellent safety profile. It is important to maintain good hygiene and daily cleaning of skin with warm water to avoid secondary bacterial infection. If exposure to varicella in certain 'at risk' populations is confirmed (immunosuppressed individuals, pregnant seronegative women, neonates), anti-varicella zoster immunoglobulin may be given prior to onset of disease symptoms. Treatment of chicken pox is usually limited to bed rest, acetaminophen for relief of fever and discomfort, and measures that soothe the itching, including lukewarm baths and application of topical medicines such as calamine lotion. Excessive scratching can cause infection of blisters, which can lead to scarring. Acyclovir, an antiviral drug, is used to treat severe cases of chicken pox, particularly in patients with a weakened immune system. Occasionally a child will develop blisters in the mouth, making eating or drinking painful. A person must continue to drink fluids to prevent dehydration. To alleviate pain, provide cold fluids (ice pops are one suggestion) and soft bland foods. Avoid any foods that are spicy, hot, or acidic (for instance, orange juice).

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