What is Chickenpox?
Although many consider chickenpox a childhood disease, adults are still susceptible.
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox (also known as varicella). It is most often recognised by a rash of itchy red blisters on the face, neck, arms, body, and legs.
People who have had chickenpox usually have immunity to the disease. It is unlikely that you will contract chickenpox as an adult if you had the disease as a child.
Causes of Chickenpox
Chickenpox is one of the most contagious diseases caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a DNA virus from the herpesvirus family. After the primary infection, the varicella-zoster virus lives in the sensory nerve ganglia as a latent infection. It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash first appears on the chest, face, and back and then spreads over the entire body, causing 250 to 500 itchy blisters.
Symptoms of Chickenpox
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Scabs
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Fever
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Nausea
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Malaise
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Tiredness
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Headache
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Itchy skin
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Dehydration
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Muscle aches
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Mouth soreness
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Loss of appetite
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Fluid-filled blisters
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Difficulties in breathing
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Painful and reddish blisters
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Haemorrhagic complications
Chickenpox often starts without the classic rash, with symptoms such as fever (101°–102°F), headache, stomachache, and sore throat lasting a few days.
Complications of Chickenpox
While most cases of chickenpox resolve without issue, some complications include:
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Secondary bacterial skin infections
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Pneumonia
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Meningitis
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Disseminated intravascular coagulation
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Bleeding vesicles
Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and babies born to mothers with chickenpox are at greater risk for complications.
Prevention of Chickenpox
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent chickenpox. Two doses of the vaccine are required:
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Children: First dose between 12 and 15 months, second dose between 4 and 6 years.
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Adolescents and Adults: Two doses, one month apart.
The vaccine is not recommended for:
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People with untreated active tuberculosis
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Pregnant women
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People with severe illnesses
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Individuals recently receiving a blood or plasma transfusion
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People with severe allergies to the vaccine or its components
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Immunocompromised individuals
Treatment of Chickenpox
The virus requires no specific treatment; patients should isolate at home to prevent spreading it to others. Patients must avoid contact with people with weakened immune systems. To alleviate symptoms:
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Avoid scratching to prevent scarring and ulcers.
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Apply antipruritic skin medications like calamine lotion.
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Use antiviral medications for herpes zoster if reactivation occurs.
Reactivation and Herpes Zoster
The virus may reactivate years after recovery, causing herpes zoster. Herpes zoster lesions typically affect one side of the body and cause severe pain. Treatment may involve specific antiviral medications. Zoster immune globulin (ZIG), derived from plasma of adults recently infected with herpes zoster, provides temporary protection and is sometimes used for children at high risk.
Good Practices to Prevent Spread
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Practice good hand hygiene and frequent hand washing.
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Avoid contact with chickenpox carriers.
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Stay home until blisters have dried and crusted over.
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Avoid aspirin or salicylates for six weeks post-vaccination due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
