Tackling Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It can cause an itchy blister that first appears on the chest, face, and back. The rash spreads all over the body causing over 250 blisters. Chickenpox is extremely contagious and can spread easily in a household or to those with a weakened immune system. You are vulnerable if you have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated. Chickenpox usually affects children below 10 years but can affect adults as well. The viral infection usually lasts for 10 days.
Symptoms
The first symptoms can appear 10 to 21 days after being exposed. Typical signs of chickenpox are:-
• Blister itchy rashes that begin in the face, and the trunk before spreading. In severe cases, the blisters can spread inside the eyelid, mouth, throat, and genital area as ulcers.
• Fever
• Headache
• Lack of appetite
• Fatigue and drowsy feeling.
The rash goes through three phases and starts as raised pink or red bumps (papules) appearing all over the body. These bumps become blisters (vesicles) full of fluid that break and leak. The bumps eventually become crusts and scabs and begin to heal. You are contagious from 48 hours before the rash appears till all crusty areas have fallen over. Chickenpox is usually mild in children. Book a pediatrician in Nasik if you think your child has chickenpox. If you are an adult with the symptoms contact a physician near me.
Causes
Chickenpox is a contagious viral infection. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes or come in direct contact with the blisters. The infection can also spread through salvia.
Chickenpox can be very severe for people suffering from bacterial infection, dehydration, pneumonia, or Reye infection. People with weak immunity and children with asthma are more vulnerable. Pregnant women who have never contacted chickenpox can risk infecting the fetus called congenital varicella syndrome.
Diagnosis
The best pediatrician in Nasik will diagnose chickenpox based on the rash. They may order blood tests at home or take culture samples of the blister to confirm the diagnosis
Treatment
The best pediatrician in Nasik may prescribe an antihistamine to provide relief against the itching. Most children recover without any complications. In case your child is infected they should not attend school or daycare to prevent the spread. If you are at a higher risk of infection they may prescribe medication to help you recover faster and reduce the severity of the infection.
Patients should avoid scratching to prevent scarring. Scratching can prevent scabs from getting infected. The pediatrician near me may prescribe home remedies or medication to relieve symptoms associated with chickenpox.
Prevention
The chickenpox vaccine can prevent the infection in 90% of children who receive the vaccine. The vaccine is usually administered between 12 to 15 months. A booster shot is given when your child is between 4 to 6 years of age. Older children can receive two catch-up doses to be vaccinated four weeks apart. Adults who can receive the two doses of the vaccine four to eight weeks apart. Your physician near me will be able to give you more details.