Chickenpox (varicella) is a viral infection. It causes rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. Other symptoms are body ache and pain, fever, sore throat, headache, loss of appetite, irritability and tiredness. Once the chickenpox rash appears, it goes through three phases: bumps, blisters and scabbed lesions. You may have all three stages of the rash at the same time,
Try to minimize scratching to prevent potential bacterial infection from occurring. Keeping fingernails trimmed short may help prevent skin infections caused by scratching blisters. Antiviral medications are recommended for people with chickenpox. The medication works best if it is given as early as possible, preferably within the first 24 hours after the rash starts. Plenty of fluids and rest help faster recovery. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products or ibuprofen to relieve fever from chickenpox.
Let the doctor know if:
• The rash spreads to one or both eyes
• The rash gets very red, warm or tender. This could indicate a secondary bacterial skin infection.
• The rash is accompanied by dizziness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, tremors, loss of muscle coordination, worsening cough, vomiting, stiff neck or a fever higher than 102 F (38.9 C).
• Anyone in the household has a problem with his or her immune system or is younger than 6 months or is pregnant.
The virus spreads easily from one person to another when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Rarely does it spread through the fluid produced by the chicken pox rash. Once infected, you can spread the virus for up to 48 hours before the rash appears, and you remain contagious until all spots crust over.
If you have had chicken pox once, you probably will not get it again. If you have never had the illness or vaccine and are exposed to chicken pox you may develop the illness within 21 days.
The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. When the vaccine doesn’t provide complete protection, it significantly lessens the severity of chickenpox.