Chickenpox - A Brief Summary
Chickenpox is a contagious disease that mainly affects children who are in the age group of 8 to 12. This disease is caused by the human herpes virus, which is also known as the varicella zoster virus. This virus is one of the eight known viruses that are known to affect humans. Chickenpox is basically a combination of fever, rashes and boils which last for a duration of a week or more. The skin at first turns red and then boils are seen which go away leaving scabs within a fortnight. Though these symptoms sometimes go away on their own without medical treatment, it is a good idea to keep your child at home as the disease is contagious and may spread to others.
The disease is spread through the following paths:
* Remember that the rash is more easily picked up by people during the first few days.
* The virus spreads from person to person through direct contact, which may be due to touching a person infected with the virus or by touching the liquid that comes out when the blister bursts or by the spittle of the person affected by the virus.
* The virus can also spread through the aerial route when a person coughs and sneezes without covering his/her mouth and nose.
* The virus is so contagious that it can be transmitted by an infected mother to her newborn before birth, or even after birth.
Keep in mind that the virus doesn't spread through indirect contact and it will be a good option for one to keep away from those infected by the virus. People infected by the virus should be quarantined and their utensils and clothing be properly washed and disinfected at all times to avoid the further spread of the virus throughout the household.
Symptoms and treatments
1. Chicken pox as I have earlier said is characterized by the presence of red spots that cover the chest as well as the stomach area o the person.
2. These spots may at first be present only on the torso of the person but after a couple of days they will spread to the scalp as well as the feet of the individual.
3. These red spots develop into boils and blisters within a few hours time or within the period of a day and the person may run a temperature.
4. These blisters usually last 3- 4 days and then they get crusted, whence new blisters take their place. The blisters that are seen on people are different for different people.
5. Chicken pox affects both adults as well as children, but it has been seen that children recover faster than the adults as there is a certain level of complications that may arise in the case of an adult inflicted with this disease.
6. Treatments should include cold water baths in which neem leaves or soda bi carb has been added to minimize the itchiness and scratching sensation. Avoid spicy and oily foods and give the person lot of water and soft bland foods to eat.
Consult the doctor if the rash persists for an added period which may last a week or more.