Chickenpox

Causes and symptoms of chickenpox

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What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is one of the most common acute infectious diseases. Is characterized by lesions on the skin and mucous membranes in the form of small blisters and fever. Is transmitted by airborne droplets. Most often, chickenpox affects children and adolescents. It is believed that chicken pox have had a better childhood, as with age, the disease occurs in the complicated form: encephalitis, primary varicella pneumonia.

Causes of chickenpox

The disease is caused by a virus of the family trust. The susceptibility of the population to this virus is very high, so 70-90% of people have time to transfer the disease in childhood or adolescence. As a rule, the child picks up an infection in kindergarten or school. The source of the disease is the infected person in the last 10 days of the incubation period of the virus and the first 5-7 days after the rash appears.

After suffering varicella formed lifelong immunity, but also can be found re-infection. The virus can be years "sleeping" in the body recover from chicken pox person and one moment to Wake up. The reason can be nervous tension or stress. In such cases, adults can develop shingles. Not having obvious signs of rash, nevertheless, this person is the distributor of the disease.

It is also possible infection with the virus through the placenta from mother to unborn child.

For pregnant women it is especially dangerous, as it can cause the development of congenital varicella in a child, premature labor or cause fetal death.

Complications of chickenpox usually occur in Association with concomitant secondary infection (abscess, pyoderma, sepsis, cellulitis). Sometimes a week after the rash develops viral-allergic meningoencephalitis. There are also known cases of focal myocarditis and nephritis.

The symptoms of chickenpox

The incubation period lasts from 1 to 3 weeks. For children and is characterized by General malaise, headache, irritability, loss of appetite and tearfulness. In adults this period is often diagnosed fever, malaise, headache, nausea and vomiting.

The next stage of development of the disease is associated with the appearance of the rash on the skin and mucous membranes. Increases body temperature, increases the level of intoxication. In children rashappears earlier than adults. Adults more pronounced intoxication, and fever persists for much longer.

The skin is covered with small red spots. After a few hours become convex and turning into small bubbles. The rash randomly spread all over the body, but most often localized on the head, neck, face, chest and stomach. In the bubbles contains a transparent liquid. After 1-2 days blisters dry up and crusts are formed. Can sometimes appear ulcers. After the rejection of crusts may remain scars. Thus, there is a deterioration of the General condition of the patient. Destruction of the epidermis become deeper. In adults the vesicles are almost always transformirovalsya in ulcers; rash lasts longer and applies more abundant than in children; the falling away crusts takes place later.

During the illness appear all new and new spots accompanied by fever. With the appearance of bubbles in children and adults starts with severe itching, especially on the mucous membranes.

The clinical phase of chickenpox lasts from 5 to 8 days. Simultaneously with the termination of the rash disappears and intoxication. The absolute most favorable outcome of the disease.

Treatment of chickenpox

Chickenpox treated at home and only in severe disease in the hospital. The decision to hospitalization takes doctor.

As a rule, special therapy is required. Prior to the termination of the rash the patient should be isolated. Child and adult with chicken pox are advised bed rest lasting up to 8 days. Bed linen change as often as possible, and wearable every day. Suitable clothing made from soft natural fabrics.

The patient must drink more fluids and follow a diet of dairy-vegetative character (mashed pureed fruits and vegetables, milk porridge). Juices are better diluted with water in proportion 1:1. From diet of the patient should be excluded sour, spicy and salty dishes.

At home red spots and vesicles treated with brilliant green or 1-2% solution of potassium permanganate. If the rash appeared in the mouth should be rinse mouth antimicrobial agents (e.g., a solution furatsilina).

Throughout the period of illness the patient was worried about constant itching. However, combing can be put in the wound infection. If this happens, spots on the skin to heal longer and may even remain in the form of scars. Best short shaved nails, and the baby should wear on handles cotton mittens. Besides, the itching intensifies with the emergence of sweat, so doctors advisewrap patient in warm blankets. You should pay attention that the warm air in the room also contribute to the exacerbation of itch. It is best to give the patient a cold wet cloth – even applies to the places which you want to scratch.

To reduce fever use medications that contain ibuprofen or paracetamol. When the chickenpox is contraindicated aspirin, which increases susceptibility to the development of Reye's syndrome.

To reduce the severity of the disease sometimes applied antiviral medications that the physician prescribes. This can be antibiotics or immunoglobulin.

Don't forget to show the patient the special care and attention. This is the most effective treatment!