Chickenpox (patient information): Difference between revisions

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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Chickenpox|here]]'''
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Chickenpox|here]]'''


{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{ARK}} '''Assistant Editor-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer
{{CMG}}; '''Assistant Editor-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer


==Overview==
==Overview==
Chickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops extremely itchy [[blister]]s all over the body. It used to be one of the classic childhood diseases. However, it has become much less common since the introduction of the chickenpox [[vaccine]].
[[Chickenpox|Chickenpox infection]] is caused by a [[virus]] in which a person develops extremely [[itchy]] [[blister]]s all over the body. It was considered to be one of the classic diseases of the children until the development of the [[chickenpox vaccine]].


==What are the symptoms of Chickenpox ?==
==What are the symptoms of Chickenpox?==
Most children with chickenpox have the following symptoms before the rash appears:
*Most children with [[chickenpox]] have the following symptoms before the rash appears:
**[[Fever]]
**[[Headache]]
**[[Loss of appetite]]
**[[Fatigue]]
**[[Malaise]]


* [[Fever]]
*The chickenpox rash occurs about 10 to 21 days after coming into contact with someone who had the [[disease]]. The average child develops 250 to 500 small, itchy, fluid-filled [[blisters]] over red spots on the [[skin]].
* [[Headache]]
* [[Loss of appetite]]


The chickenpox rash occurs about 10 to 21 days after coming into contact with someone who had the disease. The average child develops 250 to 500 small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters over red spots on the skin.
*The [[blister]]s are usually first seen on the [[face]], [[chest]], [[Human back|back]], [[scalp]] and then to the rest of the body associated with intense [[Itch|itch.]]


The [[blister]]s are usually first seen on the face, chest, back, scalp and then to the rest of the body.
*After one or two days, the [[blisters]] become cloudy and form [[scab|scabs]]. The newly formed blisters occur in groups. They are usually seen on the [[eyelids]], in the [[mouth]] and in the [[vagina]].


After a day or two, the blisters become cloudy and then scab. Meanwhile, new blisters form in groups. They often appear in the mouth, in the vagina, and on the eyelids.
*Numerous [[blisters]] are observed in children suffering from [[eczema]].


Children with skin problems, such as eczema, may develop thousands of blisters.
*Scars are usually not formed unless the pox is infected with [[bacteria]] from scratching.


Most pox will not leave [[scar]]s unless they become infected with bacteria from scratching.
*Despite receiving a [[vaccine]], some children may still develop a mild case of [[chickenpox]]. Recovery is usually much quicker and they are left with only a few pox (fewer than 30). Such cases are often harder to diagnose. These children can still spread [[chickenpox]] to others.
 
Some children who have had the vaccine will still develop a mild case of chickenpox. They usually recover much more quickly and have only a few pox (fewer than 30). These cases are often harder to diagnose. However, these children can still spread chickenpox to others.


==What causes Chickenpox?==
==What causes Chickenpox?==
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the Herpesviridae family. The same virus also causes herpes zoster (shingles) in adults.
*In children, [[chickenpox]] is caused by the [[varicella-zoster virus]] of [[Herpesviridae|Herpes virus]] family. The same virus also causes [[herpes zoster]] ([[shingles]]) in [[Adult|adults]].


Chickenpox can be spread very easily to others. You may get chickenpox from touching the fluids from a chickenpox blister, or if someone with the disease in your vicinity coughs or sneezes. Even those with mild illness may be contagious.
*[[Chickenpox]] spreads easily to others by touching the fluids from a chickenpox [[blister]], or if someone with [[chickenpox]] in the vicinity [[coughs]] or [[sneezes]]. People with mild illness may be [[contagious]].


A person with chickenpox becomes contagious 1 to 2 days before their blisters appear. They remain contagious until all the blisters have crusted over.
*An individual with chickenpox is [[contagious]] one to two days even before the [[blisters]] appear. [[Infected]] individuals remain [[contagious]] until all the [[blisters]] have turned into crusts.


Most cases of chickenpox occur in children younger than 10. The disease is usually mild, although serious complications sometimes occur. Adults and older children usually get sicker than younger children.
*Most cases of chickenpox are observed in children younger than ten years old. The disease is usually mild, although serious complications sometimes occur. Older children and [[Adolescent|adolescents]] usually get sicker than younger children.


Children whose mothers have had chickenpox or have received the chickenpox vaccine are not very likely to catch it before they are 1 year old. If they do catch chickenpox, they often have mild cases. This is because antibodies from their mothers' blood help protect them. Children under 1 year old whose mothers have not had chickenpox or the vaccine can get severe chickenpox.
*Children born to mothers who have had chickenpox or who have received the [[chickenpox vaccine]] are not very likely to get [[chickenpox]] before they are 1 year old. If in case the children get [[chickenpox]], it's often a mild form. The reason for this would be the [[antibodies]] from their mother's [[blood]] help protect the children. Children under 1-year old whose mothers have not had chickenpox in their lifetime or if they hadn't received the [[vaccination]] against chickenpox can get severe chickenpox.


Severe chickenpox symptoms are more common in children whose immune system does not work well because of an illness or medicines such as chemotherapy and steroids.
*Suffering from illness or the use of medications such as in [[chemotherapy]] and the use of [[steroids]] may lead severe [[chickenpox]] [[symptoms]] more commonly in children whose [[immune system]] is compromised.


==Who is at highest risk?==
==Who is at highest risk?==
Since [[chickenpox]] is [[contagious]], anyone in close proximity to someone with the [[disease]] is at risk.
As [[chickenpox]] is [[contagious]], anyone in close proximity to someone with the [[disease]] is at risk.


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Your health care provider can usually diagnose chickenpox by looking at the rash and asking questions about the person's medical history. Small blisters on the scalp usually confirm the diagnosis.
Your health care provider can usually diagnose chickenpox by looking at the [[rash]] and asking questions about the person's medical history. Small blisters on the scalp usually confirm the diagnosis.
 
Laboratory tests can help confirm the diagnosis, if needed.
 
===Antibody Testing===
 
When an individual is exposed to VZV, their immune system responds by producing antibodies to the virus. Laboratory tests detect and measure the level of two classes of VZV antibodies in the blood namely IgM and IgG.
 
====IgM====
* First antibodies to be produced in response to the infection.
* Can be detected within a week or two post exposure.
* The levels of IgM antibodies rises for a short period of time and then falls below detectable levels.
* Post-Infection, in the future, the IgM levels rise only when the latent VZV is reactivated.
 
====IgG====
 
* Produced several weeks after the initial exposure.
* IgG levels rise during active infection and then the levels become stable as the VZV infection gets resolves and as the virus gets inactivated.
* Provides Long-Term protection


==When to seek urgent medical care?==
==When to seek urgent medical care?==
Call your health care provider if you think that your child has [[chickenpox]] or if your child is over 12 months of age and has not been vaccinated against [[chickenpox]].
Call your health care provider or visit your nearest hospital if you think that your child has [[chickenpox]] or if your child is over 12 months of age and has not been [[vaccinated]] against [[chickenpox]].


==Treatment options==
==Treatment options==
*Treatment involves keeping the person as comfortable as possible. Here are things to try:
Treatment involves keeping the person as comfortable as possible. Here are things to try:


*Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas. Keep fingernails short to avoid damaging the [[skin]] from scratching.
*It is advisable to avoid scratching or rubbing the [[itchy]] areas.
*Keeping the [[fingernails]] short in order to avoid damaging the skin from scratching.


*Wear cool, light, loose bedclothes. Avoid wearing rough clothing, particularly wool, over an itchy area.
*Prefer wearing light and loose clothes and avoid wearing rough and heavy clothes over an itchy area which may lead to an urge to scratch.


*Take lukewarm baths using little soap and rinse thoroughly. Try a skin-soothing oatmeal or cornstarch bath.
*Lukewarm baths are preferred using mild and small quantities of soap and rinse thoroughly after a bath is advised. Oatmeal or cornstarch baths are traditionally had a skin-soothing experience.


*Apply a soothing moisturizer after bathing to soften and cool the skin.
*A soothing [[moisturizer]] application after a bath is advised to soften and cool the skin.


*Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and humidity.
*Prolonged exposure to excessive heat and humidity must be avoided.


*Try over-the-counter oral [[antihistamine]]s such as [[diphenhydramine]] (Benadryl), but be aware of possible side effects such as drowsiness.
*Oral [[antihistamines]] such as [[diphenhydramine]] (Benadryl) which are available over-the-counter oral are widely used but, one should be aware of the possible side effects such as drowsiness.


*Try over-the-counter [[hydrocortisone]] cream on itchy areas.
*[[hydrocortisone]] cream available over-the-counter is widely preferred but to help ease discomfort on itchy areas.


*Medications that fight the chickenpox [[virus]] are available but not given to everyone. To work well, the medicine usually must be started within the first 24 hours of the rash.
*Medications for chickenpox [[virus]] must be started within the first 24 hours of the [[Rash maculopapular|rash]] for better treatment outcomes.
*Adults and teens, who are at risk for more severe symptoms, may benefit from [[antiviral]] medication if it is given early. [[Antiviral]] medication is not usually prescribed to otherwise healthy children who do not have severe symptoms.  


*Antiviral medication is not usually prescribe to otherwise healthy children who do not have severe symptoms. Adults and teens, who are at risk for more severe symptoms, may benefit from antiviral medication if it is given early.
*[[Antiviral]] medication may prove beneficial for those who have skin conditions (such as [[eczema]] or recent [[sunburn]]), [[lung]] conditions (such as [[asthma]]), or who have recently taken [[steroids]].


*Antiviral medication may be very important in those who have skin conditions (such as eczema or recent sunburn), [[lung]] conditions (such as [[asthma]]), or who have recently taken steroids.
*'''DO NOT GIVE [[aspirin]] or [[ibuprofen]]''' to someone who may have chickenpox. Use of aspirin has been associated with a serious condition called as [[Reye's syndrome]]. [[Ibuprofen]] has been associated with more severe secondary infections. [[Acetaminophen]] ([[Tylenol]]) may be used.


*'''DO NOT GIVE [[aspirin]] or [[ibuprofen]]''' to someone who may have chickenpox. Use of aspirin has been associated with a serious condition called [[Reyes syndrome]]. Ibuprofen has been associated with more severe secondary infections. [[Acetaminophen]] (Tylenol) may be used.
*Use of clean gloves or socks on hands is recommended in order to prevent the risk of infection from scratching, especially during the overnight.


*Trimming of fingernails and keeping the hands and fingernails clean.
*Children with chickenpox should not be encouraged to return to school or play with other children until all chickenpox sores have crusted over or dried out. Adults should follow this same rule when considering when to return to work or be around others.


*In order to prevent the risk of infection from scratching, especially during overnight, the use of clean gloves or socks on hands is recommended.
*Due to the excessive drying nature, [[calamine lotion]] which was prescribed traditionally is not recommended anymore.


*A child with chickenpox should not return to school or play with other children until all chickenpox sores have crusted over or dried out. Adults should follow this same rule when considering when to return to work or be around others.
*[[Antiviral]] medications are also prescribed to people living in the same house as that of the infected individual. The reason being that there are more chances that they may also develop chickenpox, and they may develop more severe symptoms.
 
*Due to the excessive drying nature, '''Calamine Lotion''' which was prescribed traditionally is not recommended anymore.
 
*Some doctors also give antiviral medicines to people in the same household who also develop chickenpox, because they will usually develop more severe symptoms.
 
==Where to find medical care for Chickenpox?==
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Chickenpox}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Chickenpox]


==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
Usually, a person recovers without complications.
*Usually, a person recovers without complications.


Once you have had chickenpox, the [[virus]] usually remains dormant or asleep in your body for your lifetime. About 1 in 10 adults will have shingles when the virus reemerges during a period of stress.
*Once you have had chickenpox, the [[virus]] usually remains dormant or asleep in your body for your lifetime. About 1 in 10 adults will have shingles when the [[virus]] reemerges during a period of stress.


==Possible complications==
==Possible complications==
Rarely, serious bacteria infections such as encephalitis have occurred. Other complications may include:
Rarely, serious bacteria infections such as [[encephalitis]] have occurred. Other complications may include:


* Reye's syndrome (Associated with the use of Aspirin)
* [[Reye's syndrome]] (associated with the use of [[Aspirin]]).
* [[Myocarditis]]
* [[Myocarditis]]
* [[Pneumonia]]
* [[Pneumonia]]
Line 120: Line 98:
*Women who get chickenpox during [[pregnancy]] can pass the infection to the developing baby. Newborns are at risk for severe infection.
*Women who get chickenpox during [[pregnancy]] can pass the infection to the developing baby. Newborns are at risk for severe infection.


* Most Common Complications are Secondary Skin Infections which when left untreated lead to pneumonia and septicemia.
* Most common complications are secondary skin infections which when left untreated lead to [[pneumonia]] and [[septicemia]].


==Prevention==
==Prevention==


*Coughing and Sneezing should be kept covered and the use of any cloth or towels should be limited only to the child and not to be shared by others.
*[[Coughing]] and [[sneezing]] should be kept covered.
*The use of any cloth or towels should be limited only to the child and not to be shared by others.


*Always maintain hand hygiene by washing hands often and after attending to a child with chickenpox.
*Hand [[hygiene]] to be maintained always by washing hands often and after attending to a child with chickenpox.


*Refrain from sending the child to school or a gathering where the child may come into contact with other children so as to avoid the spread of the infection.
*Refrain from sending the child to school or a gathering where the child may come into contact with other children so as to avoid the spread of the infection.


Because chickenpox is airborne and very contagious before the rash even appears, it is difficult to avoid.
*Because chickenpox is airborne and very [[contagious]] before the rash even appears, it is difficult to avoid.


A vaccine to prevent chickenpox is part of a child's routine [[immunization]] schedule. For information, see: Chickenpox vaccine
*A vaccine to prevent chickenpox is part of a child's routine [[immunization]] schedule.


The vaccine usually prevents the chickenpox disease completely or makes the illness very mild.
*The vaccine usually prevents the chickenpox disease completely or makes the illness very mild.


Talk to your doctor if you think your child might be at high risk for complications and might have been exposed. Immediate preventive measures may be important. Giving the [[vaccine]] early after exposure may still reduce the severity of the disease.
*Talk to your health care provider if you think your child might be at high risk for complications and might have been exposed. Immediate preventive measures may be important. Giving the [[vaccine]] early after exposure may still reduce the severity of the disease.


==Sources==
==Sources==
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{{WH}}
{{WH}}
{{WS}}
{{WS}}
<references />


[[Category:Viral diseases]]
[[Category:Viral diseases]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Poxviruses]]
[[Category:Poxviruses]]
[[Category:Infectious disease]]
[[Category:Overview complete]]
[[Category:Overview complete]]
[[Category:primary care]]
[[Category:Patient information]]
[[Category:Patient information]]
[[Category:Emergency medicine]]
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Up-To-Date]]
[[Category:Infectious disease]]
[[Category:Pulmonology]]

Latest revision as of 20:53, 29 July 2020

Chickenpox

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

When to seek urgent medical care?

Diagnosis

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Chickenpox?

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Diseases with similar symptoms

Prevention

Chickenpox On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Chickenpox

Videos on Chickenpox

FDA on Chickenpox

CDC on Chickenpox

Chickenpox in the news

Blogs on Chickenpox

Directions to Hospitals Treating Chickenpox

Risk calculators and risk factors for Chickenpox

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Overview

Chickenpox infection is caused by a virus in which a person develops extremely itchy blisters all over the body. It was considered to be one of the classic diseases of the children until the development of the chickenpox vaccine.

What are the symptoms of Chickenpox?

  • The chickenpox rash occurs about 10 to 21 days after coming into contact with someone who had the disease. The average child develops 250 to 500 small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters over red spots on the skin.
  • After one or two days, the blisters become cloudy and form scabs. The newly formed blisters occur in groups. They are usually seen on the eyelids, in the mouth and in the vagina.
  • Scars are usually not formed unless the pox is infected with bacteria from scratching.
  • Despite receiving a vaccine, some children may still develop a mild case of chickenpox. Recovery is usually much quicker and they are left with only a few pox (fewer than 30). Such cases are often harder to diagnose. These children can still spread chickenpox to others.

What causes Chickenpox?

  • Most cases of chickenpox are observed in children younger than ten years old. The disease is usually mild, although serious complications sometimes occur. Older children and adolescents usually get sicker than younger children.
  • Children born to mothers who have had chickenpox or who have received the chickenpox vaccine are not very likely to get chickenpox before they are 1 year old. If in case the children get chickenpox, it's often a mild form. The reason for this would be the antibodies from their mother's blood help protect the children. Children under 1-year old whose mothers have not had chickenpox in their lifetime or if they hadn't received the vaccination against chickenpox can get severe chickenpox.

Who is at highest risk?

As chickenpox is contagious, anyone in close proximity to someone with the disease is at risk.

Diagnosis

Your health care provider can usually diagnose chickenpox by looking at the rash and asking questions about the person's medical history. Small blisters on the scalp usually confirm the diagnosis.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider or visit your nearest hospital if you think that your child has chickenpox or if your child is over 12 months of age and has not been vaccinated against chickenpox.

Treatment options

Treatment involves keeping the person as comfortable as possible. Here are things to try:

  • It is advisable to avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas.
  • Keeping the fingernails short in order to avoid damaging the skin from scratching.
  • Prefer wearing light and loose clothes and avoid wearing rough and heavy clothes over an itchy area which may lead to an urge to scratch.
  • Lukewarm baths are preferred using mild and small quantities of soap and rinse thoroughly after a bath is advised. Oatmeal or cornstarch baths are traditionally had a skin-soothing experience.
  • A soothing moisturizer application after a bath is advised to soften and cool the skin.
  • Prolonged exposure to excessive heat and humidity must be avoided.
  • Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) which are available over-the-counter oral are widely used but, one should be aware of the possible side effects such as drowsiness.
  • hydrocortisone cream available over-the-counter is widely preferred but to help ease discomfort on itchy areas.
  • Medications for chickenpox virus must be started within the first 24 hours of the rash for better treatment outcomes.
  • Adults and teens, who are at risk for more severe symptoms, may benefit from antiviral medication if it is given early. Antiviral medication is not usually prescribed to otherwise healthy children who do not have severe symptoms.
  • Use of clean gloves or socks on hands is recommended in order to prevent the risk of infection from scratching, especially during the overnight.
  • Children with chickenpox should not be encouraged to return to school or play with other children until all chickenpox sores have crusted over or dried out. Adults should follow this same rule when considering when to return to work or be around others.
  • Due to the excessive drying nature, calamine lotion which was prescribed traditionally is not recommended anymore.
  • Antiviral medications are also prescribed to people living in the same house as that of the infected individual. The reason being that there are more chances that they may also develop chickenpox, and they may develop more severe symptoms.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

  • Usually, a person recovers without complications.
  • Once you have had chickenpox, the virus usually remains dormant or asleep in your body for your lifetime. About 1 in 10 adults will have shingles when the virus reemerges during a period of stress.

Possible complications

Rarely, serious bacteria infections such as encephalitis have occurred. Other complications may include:

  • Women who get chickenpox during pregnancy can pass the infection to the developing baby. Newborns are at risk for severe infection.
  • Most common complications are secondary skin infections which when left untreated lead to pneumonia and septicemia.

Prevention

  • Coughing and sneezing should be kept covered.
  • The use of any cloth or towels should be limited only to the child and not to be shared by others.
  • Hand hygiene to be maintained always by washing hands often and after attending to a child with chickenpox.
  • Refrain from sending the child to school or a gathering where the child may come into contact with other children so as to avoid the spread of the infection.
  • Because chickenpox is airborne and very contagious before the rash even appears, it is difficult to avoid.
  • A vaccine to prevent chickenpox is part of a child's routine immunization schedule.
  • The vaccine usually prevents the chickenpox disease completely or makes the illness very mild.
  • Talk to your health care provider if you think your child might be at high risk for complications and might have been exposed. Immediate preventive measures may be important. Giving the vaccine early after exposure may still reduce the severity of the disease.

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001592.htm Template:WH Template:WS