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News and Events |
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SCHC Blog - Chicken Pox |
Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness caused by
primary infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV).
Signs and symptoms:
1.The chicken pox lesions (blisters) start as a two to four
millimeter red papule which develops an irregular outline (a
rose petal). A thin-walled, clear vesicle (dew drop)
develops on top of the area of redness. This "dew drop on a
rose petal" lesion is very characteristic of chickenpox.
2.After about 8 to 12 hours the fluid in the vesicle becomes
cloudy and the vesicle breaks leaving a crust. The fluid is
highly contagious, but once the lesion crusts over, it is
not considered contagious. The crust usually falls off after
seven days sometimes leaving a crater-like scar.
Prevention:
A varicella vaccine Protection is not life -long and further
vaccination is necessary five years after the initial
immunization.
Treatment:
1.Topical application of calamine lotion, a topical barrier
preparation has an excellent safety profile.
2.To relieve the symptoms of chicken pox, people commonly
use anti-itching creams and lotions.
Children:
If oral acyclovir is started within 24 hours of rash onset
it decreases symptoms by one day but has no effect on
complication rates.
Adults:
Infection in otherwise healthy adults tends to be more
severe and active; treatment with antiviral drugs (e.g.
acyclovir) is generally advised, as long as it is started
within 24–48 hours from rash onset.
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