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Chickenpox is a contagious disease that heals on its own without treatment and is caused by the chickenpox virus.
However, there are high-risk categories that can develop severe forms of the disease: infants, pregnant women, the chronically ill, adolescents and adults. In these cases, it is recommended that the patient be supervised by a doctor to manage any complications: pneumonia, neurological disorders, hepatitis.
How is the disease transmitted?
Chickenpox is highly contagious, being transmitted through nasopharyngeal secretions, but also through direct contact with blistering fluid on the skin during the rash.
A patient is contagious two days before the blisters appear on the skin and remain so until they become encrusted.
The average incubation period of the disease, i.e. the time interval between the moment of contact with a patient and until the onset of the disease, is two weeks, but there have also been cases of periods of only 10 days, as well as longer, up to 3 weeks.
These are the symptoms
The first signs of chickenpox are similar to those of the virus: fever, loss of appetite, poor general condition, sometimes a sore throat. But within 24 hours the rash begins to appear on the skin, initially in the form of small red spots that look like insect bites. Subsequently, they quickly turn into fluid-filled blisters.
Chickenpox first appears on the abdomen, back or face and spreads everywhere, as well as on the scalp or mucous membranes (mouth, anal, genitals). Subsequently, the blisters will rupture leaving a wound that will form a scab. It will come off in 7-14 days.
Rules of care
# The first and, perhaps, the most important rule: the baby does not go out for at least seven days, but, as a rule, it is about 10-14 days or even 21 days, in complicated cases. Children with chickenpox cannot go out not only because they can give the disease to other people, but also because their immune systems are low during this time and it can cause complications. Doctors say that a child with chickenpox can be taken out when all the bumps have dried, that is, they have become crusty, because then it is no longer contagious.
# It is not forbidden to bathe during illness! To reduce itching, the baby can be bathed in water in which two cups of oatmeal are placed for a calming effect on the skin. Cold packs can be used between baths. After washing, the skin will be cleaned by patting, not rubbing.
# Pay attention to nutrition! Blisters in the mouth can be very painful, so citrus, hot or salty foods are not suitable. Provide your child with colder, softer and less spicy foods.
# Beware of drugs! Don’t give your child aspirin! This drug is prohibited for children up to 12 years of age because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a condition that attacks the liver and brain and can be fatal. Hypubrofen is also not indicated, as it can interfere with chickenpox and cause the rash to burrow deeper into the skin! For fever or pain caused by mucosal lesions, paracetamol, pills or syrup for children under 12 can be safely used.
# Don’t let the baby scratch! Make sure your nails are trimmed short and your hands are always clean to avoid the risk of superinfection of the bumps. Breaking scabs can leave permanent scars! There are various solutions to soothe the skin, based on menthol or calamine.
When should I go to the doctor urgently?
# If the child has a fever that has not subsided for more than four days or a high fever
# If you have severe cough or breathing problems
# If you have an area of your body with a higher concentration of blisters, side by side, and you suspect that an infection may develop there
# If you complain of severe headaches
# If you feel dizzy and sleepy
# If you can’t stand the light
# If you throw up
# If you have a stiff neck
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