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Chickenpox
Medical Questions » Chickenpox
| Name: Chickenpox |
| Also known as: Varicella |
| A generalized infection with the virus Herpes zoster. |
Causes of Chickenpox
Infection occurs when the virus that can be found in the fluid-filled blisters that cover the body of patients, as well as in their breath and saliva, passes to .another person. Patients are infectious for a day or two before the spots appear, and remain infectious for about eight days. The incubation period is 10 to 21 days. |
Symptoms of Chickenpox
Early symptoms are similar to those of a cold, with a vague feeling of being unwell, headache, fever and sore throat. The rash usually starts on the head or chest as red pimples, then spreads onto the legs and arms, and develops into blisters before drying up and scabbing over. New spots may develop for three to five days, and it may be two weeks or more before the last spot disappears. |
Tests for Chickenpox
None usually necessary. |
Treatment for Chickenpox
Bed and home rest until the patient feels well, and medications to relieve the itch (eg. calamine lotion, antihistamines), fever and headache. There is now a vaccine available.
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Complications of Chickenpox of its treatment
Complications are more common in adults, and include chest infections and a type of meningitis. It is unusual for the pock marks to scar unless a secondary bacterial infection occurs. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus never leaves your body but migrates to the nerves along your spinal cord where it remains for the rest of your life, and may be reactivated years later at times of stress to give the patient the painful rash of shingles. |
Likely Outcome of Chickenpox
Complete recovery within ten days normal. Once you have had chickenpox, it is unlikely (but not impossible) that you will ever have it again. |
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