Chickenpox
It is a viral disease caused by exposure to the varicella zoster virus.
The virus spreads through air-borne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also spreads by direct contact since the lesions contain infectious fluid.
Symptoms:
The rash first appears over the face, scalp or trunk.
The rash initially consists of red/purple coloured bumped lesions which evolve into lesions filled with a clear fluid.
The lesions then form a crust after 4-5 days of appearance.
The crusts fall off after a week or two.
The rash is itchy and cause irritation.
Other symptoms: fever, nausea, anorexia, body ache, vomiting etc.
Complications:
Secondary bacterial infection affecting the skin lesions is the commonest complication among children.
Treatment:
Paracetamol can be given to control fever.
Itching can be controlled by calamine lotion.
Nails should be trimmed to reduce the damage done by scratching.
The affected child should be bathed daily.
Vaccination
A vaccine containing a live attenuated strain of varicella is available.
It is a viral disease caused by exposure to the varicella zoster virus.
The virus spreads through air-borne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also spreads by direct contact since the lesions contain infectious fluid.
Symptoms:
The rash first appears over the face, scalp or trunk.
The rash initially consists of red/purple coloured bumped lesions which evolve into lesions filled with a clear fluid.
The lesions then form a crust after 4-5 days of appearance.
The crusts fall off after a week or two.
The rash is itchy and cause irritation.
Other symptoms: fever, nausea, anorexia, body ache, vomiting etc.
Complications:
Secondary bacterial infection affecting the skin lesions is the commonest complication among children.
Treatment:
Paracetamol can be given to control fever.
Itching can be controlled by calamine lotion.
Nails should be trimmed to reduce the damage done by scratching.
The affected child should be bathed daily.
Vaccination
A vaccine containing a live attenuated strain of varicella is available.
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