Chickenpox (chickenpox) is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus - Varicella Zoster. Infection is through the droplet route. It affects everyone from newborns to the elderly, with children usually having a mild illness and adults having a more severe illness with more serious complications. The disease is very dangerous for people with any immune impairment and can even lead to life-threatening conditions. Once it has passed, the body becomes immune to it. Both symptomatic and causal treatment is used.
Symptoms and course chickenpox
Visible to everyone, the symptoms of chickenpox are the appearance of red spots on the body, which then develop into papules, which over time fill with serous fluid, after which the itchy blister turns into a pustule, which over time dries and a scab forms. The scab falls off over time.
Scars or discolouration may remain on the skin after the scab. These usually disappear over time. Each of these stages is the natural course of the disease. A very annoying symptom of smallpox is itching, which is most often worse at night and when staying in warmer areas. This causes scratching, which is dangerous because of the possibility of overexertion and permanent scarring remaining. The hygiene of the affected person plays a special role during this period. During the course of the disease, a fever or sub-fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and muscle aches may occur.
In adults, the course is not really any different from that in children. The treatment is similar. However, for older people who did not catch smallpox in childhood, the doctor recommends vaccination. It is important to be aware, however, that this vaccination does not give permanent and lifelong immunity. It must be repeated.
Treatment chickenpox
There is no single, sure-fire cure for all symptoms associated with chickenpox in both children and adults. Both symptomatic and causal treatments are used. If you are immunocompromised, you should see your doctor for a consultation.
Antipyretics, creams or oral antiviral medications are used to reduce the discomfort associated with chickenpox. Antibiotics (cream or oral) may be necessary when pustules are overweight.
In case of fever, bed rest and fever-reducing drugs are recommended. Salicylic acid derivatives should not be used!
Most common post-pox complications
Chickenpox is a disease that greatly weakens the immune system. The complications that appear during or after the illness should never be underestimated. These should never be underestimated. They can be very dangerous.
The most common complications include:
- Pneumonia
- Skin infections, these are most often due to bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci. There are times when scarring remains after scabs for life.
- Stomach inflammation
- Inflammation of the intestines
- Neurological complications such as encephalomyelitis, cerebellar ataxia and others. Patients require treatment in hospital.
- Otitis media, initially caused by viruses, then develops into a bacterial infection
- Glomerulonephritis
- Arthritis
- Rey's syndrome
- Myocarditis
- Inflammation of the optic nerve
Chickenpox is a disease that should never be underestimated. Particular care must be taken and personal hygiene must be exceptionally well cared for during this period. Medical follow-up is important.
