Chicken pox is one disease that usually affects children at least once in their lifetime. Even though vaccination for the disease has been available since 1995 and is considered safe and effective too, the disease has not been completely eradicated. The best way to deal with chicken pox is to vaccinate your child against it. In addition, educating oneself about its causes, symptoms, and treatment measures helps manage the situation better. With proper medications, kids usually bounce back from Chicken Pox within 10 to 15 days.

Causes of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is also known as varicella and is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is characterized by itchy red blisters all over the body and is a highly contagious disease that spreads by closeness or contact with someone who has it. Chickenpox can even spread through sneezing and coughing.

Symptoms of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an infection that has three stages:

• Appearance of small itchy bumps
• Bumps turn into blisters with fluid
• Fever with scabbing over the bumps

Once any person is infected by this viral infection, the virus usually incubates for a period of 14 to 16 days before any rash appears, even though the incubation period can last from 10 days to 21 days. There are no symptoms highlighted during the incubation period. However, soon flu or fever like symptoms start to develop in a couple of days and an itchy red rash appears. The person does not become contagious until one to two days before the rash appears on the body. The rash then emerges as raised red bump that turns to teardrop-shaped blisters that are extremely itchy and filled with fluid. Also Read: Autism: Things You should need to know about Autism Other typical signs or symptoms of Chickenpox are as below:

• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Joint aches
• Running nose
• Chills
• Joint aches
• Breathing difficulties

Chicken Pox Cycle

After the rash appears, the cycle for this viral infection will be as below:

• Rash: It starts with a few red spots and then the severity increases and spreads all over the body. The small spots turn into painful and itchy rashes.
• Spots: These spots turn into clusters and generally appear on the face, limbs, chest, and stomach. They tend to be small, red, and itchier.
• Blisters: The stage of blisters is very painful as they can appear on the top of the spots and can become very itchy and irritable.
• Clouding: Within a period of 48 hours, these blisters start to cloud over and then start drying out developing a crust.
• Healing: In a period of about 10 to 12 days the crusts will start to fall off on their own after drying completely. Chicken pox blisters are known to leave scars if scratched.

During the whole cycle of this viral infection, new blisters and spots might tend to appear and it might lead to more dryness and itchiness.

Treatment of Chickenpox

In most of the cases, the treatment or the medications are given in order to relieve the symptoms of this viral infection.

What doctors advise

• Pain or Fever: Some medicines are prescribed to control the fever and body pains. Aspirin containing medicines should not be taken for chicken pox as it can lead to severe complications and chances are there to damage some body organs.
• Avoiding Dehydration: Always make sure to consume a lot of fluids and juices to keep yourself hydrated. Some doctors even advise sugar-free popsicles for kids who do not drink enough water.
• Mouth Soreness: Sugar-free popsicles helps to ease the soreness of the mouth in case there are any blisters in the mouth. Salty and spicy foods should be avoided.
• Itchiness: Make sure that you avoid scratching the body parts as it might worsen the conditions. Soothing lotions such as calamine work best as an application.

Also Read: 7 Home Remedies to treat Ringworm

What you can do

• Give cold baths to your child to ease off the burning and itchy sensation.
• Make sure your little one takes ample rest.
• Isolation is a must. Give your child some good books to read and interesting board games. Keep away from mobiles and television.
• Make her wear gloves to prevent scratching the rashes and blisters.
• Make her wear loose, clean, cotton clothes to be more comfortable.
• Give your child khichri, clear soups, vegetable stews, and boiled chicken to eat so that she stays energized and light through it all.

During pregnancy, for newborns, and for adults whose infection is diagnosed early; the doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines. Acyclovir is one such medicine that works best if it is given within 24 hours of developing the symptoms. Also Read: 7 ways to protect the eyesight of your child

Prevention

It is said that, Prevention is always better than cure. A vaccine is available for chickenpox. The dosage for children is 2 doses of the varicella vaccine. One at 12 to 15 months and second dose at the age of 4 to 6 years. This vaccine is 90 percent effective at preventing chickenpox. Want to share your mommy experience with other moms through words or images? Become a part of the Moms United community. Click here and we will get in touch with you

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