Varicella

Causes, symptoms, types and diagnosis of varicella

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Definition of chickenpox

Varicella is an unusual infectious disease typical viral nature, the main feature of which is the formation of a specific rash on the skin of the body in the form of very small bubbles. After the disease the person gets the necessary immunity. The virus that causes chickenpox in a person has the unique ability to affect numerous cells of the mucous membranes and skin.

Causes chickenpox

The disease is transmitted usually by airborne droplets way from the sick to not sick. Usually chickenpox a person is sick in childhood. The incubation period of the disease lasts about 12 – 21 days. In contact with the patient the likelihood of disease is very high. Before the rash appears 2-3 days the person is already infectious. Is it contagious and for one week after the last pockmarks.

It is believed that the susceptibility to chickenpox in children from one year up to five years. After the age of 10 the child gets sick much less often, even after contact with the patient. When infected at school age the disease is often complicated form. Adults can also become infected if they are not ill as a child, while the man carries the chicken pox extremely hard.

Symptoms of chickenpox

Typically, this infection starts with a fairly easy heat and discomfort. Body temperature does not exceed 38 degrees. After a few days, and sometimes after a day the rash first appears, which is a small red spots on the hands, feet, face and body. Then the spots thicken and swell, filling with fluid, with the formation of small bubbles. The person feels sufficiently intense itching. Liquid all bubbles is incredibly contagious because it contains a huge amount of live viruses.

Usually several waves of lesions on the body of the patient. They appear for 7-10 days with an interval of two days. Each such re-stage lesions is accompanied by the rise and decrease of temperature. At this time, the person may feel irritability and weakness, disturbed appetite and sleep. As the drying of the bubbles there is a special crust, the temperature of the bodynormal, and after a certain period the person ceases to be contagious.

There are cases where a rash with painful vesicles completely absent. The disease is characterized mainly by a strong intoxication and neuralgic pains. With various eye and ear forms skin flushing and rash, usually located on the branches of the trigeminal nerve. Occur on the nose, lips and / or mucous membranes of the eye. Pronounced trigeminal neuralgia may continue for several weeks.

At eye form often observed glaucoma and specific viral keratitis. When gangrenous form is not only deep skin lesions, but the formation of scars. Threat meningoencephalitic form of the disease is quite rare. When infected with this type of chickenpox appear typical symptoms of meningoencephalitis, which include ataxia and hallucinations. This species has a severe course, with death possible in about 60% of cases.

Types and diagnosis of varicella

There is a certain classification of smallpox types. Is a typical and an atypical form of the disease. The typical form of chickenpox further divided according to severity of disease into mild, moderate and severe. As well as divided by the flow on smooth, with complications and without complications. Other species - atypical chicken pox can be rudimentary, gangrenous, hemorrhagic, and generalized, which affects internal organs.

In typical form the disease is characterized by numerous elements of the rashes, which are always filled with a special clear content. General condition of the patient the mild form is characterized by satisfactory and no signs of worsening condition. The polymorphism of the rash is well defined. Often there is a slight temperature rise to about 38 degrees. In some children the temperature may remain normal throughout the period.

In this case, the duration of skin eruption is not more than three or four days, and on the mucous membranes of the bubbles are almost there. Vetryanye elements, as a rule, not abundant, and serious symptoms of intoxication are not observed. To moderate forms may be noted more abundant skin rashes in the form of vesicles. This process is usually accompanied by a significant rise in body temperature, which can exceed 39 degrees. The duration of the rash up to five days.

Also characterized by the appearance of unpleasant vetranary elements and on the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and eyes. Symptoms of intoxication presented a strong weakness, fatigue and longheadache.

In typical cases, the diagnosis does not cause any difficulty.

Treatment of chickenpox

With chickenpox usually treated at home. Only in complicated forms of the disease, it is recommended hospitalization. Need a daily hygiene care to prevent secondary infection. It should include regular baths on the basis of a weak solution of potassium permanganate, as well as Laundry service and the obligatory proglazhivanie underwear. All the elements of skin rashes should be treated a 2% aqueous solution of normal potassium permanganate.

Some suggest oiling vesicles ordinary alcoholic solution of brilliant green. After eating shows the required rinsing of the oral cavity. At occurrence of threat of suppurative complications, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. In the early days of this disease, if necessary, can be special events that are aimed at removing pain and struggle with intoxication. The introduction by intramuscular injection of 5-15 ml of immunoglobulin.

In rare cases it happens re-infection. In case of the serious bacterial complications antibiotics are indicated in addition to the sodium chloride solution and 5% glucose solution. Can also prescribe vitamins to improve the health of the patient. It should be mentioned that the excellent effect was observed from the use of leukocyte interferon. It is recommended to apply the solution with a glass stick to the lesions at least 5 times a day.

After the acute symptoms subside chickenpox often prescribed autohemotherapy and ultraviolet irradiation. To relieve the unbearable pain used special non-narcotic analgesics and additionally appointed electrophoresis with novocaine.

Prevention of varicella

Primary prevention of varicella in the first place is a timely correct diagnosis, early isolation of the patient, regular airing and wet cleaning. 5 days after the last painful bubble insulation patient stops to society, he becomes non-contagious.

In some cases, susceptible persons who had contact with the sick person, with a prophylactic purpose can be entered within 96 hours of specific immunoglobulin. Such immunization is assigned to the newborn, motherswhich had contracted chickenpox, children under the age of 15 years who have negative or uncertain history, as well as pregnant women with a negative result of specific serological tests.

Often prevention activities are carried out in premature infants. For active prevention of chickenpox has a unique live vaccine of the attenuated type. The recommended injection site is the area of the shoulder area of the deltoid muscle. In response to this vaccine in 95% of vaccinated children formed special antibodies to the virus. About 70% of children are fully protected from the disease for about 7-9 years.

In rare cases, the immunity to chickenpox lasts up to 20 years. Circulating pathogen favors required a booster vaccination of all vaccinated persons, allowing to increase the duration of immunity. This vaccine is also indicated for emergency preventive measures to prevent diseases. It is used not later than three days after possible infection from a potential patient.

Preventive vaccination is contraindicated in all people who have previously experienced negative reactions to components used live vaccine. Vaccination is delayed in acute respiratory diseases and other ailments until the full restoration of health. Because of the possible danger to the fetus during pregnancy, the vaccine is also prohibited. Within one month after completed vaccination experts advise people to use modern contraceptives.

Vaccination against varicella is contraindicated for many people with certain disorders of the immune system. The use of steroids is also a contraindication to this vaccine. As a rule, the hazard identification for human health, the doctor compares the risks of infection and their consequences. Within six weeks after vaccination from this disease should avoid the use of all derivatives of salicylic acid, to prevent Reye's syndrome.