What Is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. People who get the virus often develop a rash of spots that look like blisters all over their bodies. The blisters are small and sit on an area of red skin that can be anywhere from the size of a pencil eraser to the size of a dime.
You've probably heard that chickenpox are itchy. It's true. The illness also may come along with a runny nose and cough. But the good news is that chickenpox is a common illness for kids and most people get better by just resting like you do with a cold or the flu. And the really good news is that, thanks to the chickenpox vaccine, lots of kids don't get chickenpox at all. Kids who do get it, if they got the shot, often get less severe cases, which means they get better quicker.
What is the Causes of Chickenpox
A virus called "varicella zoster" causes chickenpox. A person who has chickenpox can easily spread this virus to others who have never had it or been vaccinated against it. Having chickenpox once usually means that you cannot get it again.
Once you have had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body for life. The same virus can cause a disorder called shingles that can occur any time after you have had chickenpox - often many years later.
A person with shingles can spread the virus to others who have never had the chickenpox or the vaccination. Those people can get chickenpox (not shingles) from this exposure.
What are the treatments for chickenpox?
Most of the treatments for chickenpox are aimed at decreasing the symptoms, such as severe itching. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to decrease the fevers and aches often associated with the initial presentation of the viral infection. Children should never be given aspirin or aspirin-containing cold medications because of the risks for developing Reye's syndrome (a severe acquired metabolic disease associated with liver and brain dysfunction and death).
Frequent oatmeal baths (Aveeno, etc.) can decrease the itching associated with chickenpox. In addition, soothing lotions and moisturizers such as calamine lotion or any other similar over-the-counter preparation can be applied to the rash.
Benadryl or other antihistamines can be helpful in controlling the itching. Though Benadryl is available over the counter, other antihistamines can also be used. Always discuss these treatment options with your health-care practitioner.
In addition to medications, there are also preventive measures that are needed. For young children, it is important to keep nails trimmed in order to minimize injury due to scratching and to control the risks for secondary bacterial infections.
Lastly, in some cases of chickenpox, acyclovir can be prescribed. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication which has been used to shorten the duration of the infection. This medication has only been shown to be affective if started within one to two days of onset of the rash associated with chickenpox. Most commonly, this treatment is reserved for patients with other diagnoses which put them at risk for severe disease (severe skin diseases, immunodeficiency).
Medication of ChickenPox
Types of Medication
An antiviral medicine such as acyclovir can be used to treat chickenpox. But it is not for everyone, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. They do not routinely recommend this treatment for children between the ages of one and 13 who have simple cases of chickenpox and no other health problems.
The treatment is used mostly in babies, teenagers, adults and those who are at risk to develop more serious disease. To get the most benefit, you start this treatment by mouth within the first 24 hours after onset of the disease. If serious complications (like pneumonia) occur, or if a patient has an immune system problem, he or she may get this treatment by IV (in a vein).
If someone at high risk for serious complications from chickenpox has been exposed to the disease, there are other treatment options available. These treatments are most effective if given very shortly after exposure.
If an infection develops
Rashes and blisters from chickenpox can get infected from scratching them. If they do, ask your doctor about an antibacterial treatment to control the infection. Try to prevent infection by keeping blisters clean and not scratching them.