Chicken Pox

Chicken pox, also known as Varicella, is a highly contagious viral disease spread through direct contact with germs from someone’s cough or sneeze. Two weeks after exposure, chicken pox spots appear on the body. Rashes emerge continuously over 4-6 days, mostly on the central body, fewer on arms and legs. The inner mouth is sometimes involved. The chicken pox rash is preceded by two to three days of viral cold-like symptoms. At about the time the fever reaches its peak (from about 102-105 degrees Fahrenheit by mouth) the pox rash appears. Each pox is a raised blister-like eruption with a clear fluid inside. If you look closely you will see an umbilical-like depression in the center. Children infected with chicken pox are contagious even before they break out; the contagious period begins two days before the rash shows up. If your child routinely comes into contact with someone who suddenly breaks out in chicken pox, it’s probably too late to protect your child from infection. Children are no longer contagious once the blisters are all scabbed over and no new spots are erupting. Keep in mind that older children, young people, and adults can also get chicken pox. The older the patient is, the more severe the infection may be. It is almost never the case that a person can get chicken pox a second time. Once usually provides immunity for a lifetime.

• Low-grade fever 
• Runny nose
• Slight cough 
• Decrease in appetite 
• Headache 
• Tired, rundown feeling
• Blister-like rash of the skin and mucous membranes
• Itching

• It is recommended that young, healthy children should be deliberately exposed to chicken pox so that the condition does not afflict them as an adolescent or adult.
• An immune globulin is available for high-risk persons, such as non-immune pregnant women and for those who take anti-cancer or immuno-suppressive drugs. Live attenuated vaccine is currently available in the United States and Canada.
• Those who have never had the disease should avoid contact with groups of children who have had possible contact with the chicken pox virus.

The varicella zoster virus, a member of the herpes virus group, causes chicken pox. It is transmitted either through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with the blisters. Chicken pox is not caused by medication. However, certain drugs can suppress immunity, making it more likely for someone not previously exposed to the virus to become infected. Immunosuppressant drugs are also linked to complications that can arise from chicken pox. These medications include steroids and chemotherapy. The chicken pox vaccination (Varivax) is recommended for all healthy children who have not yet contracted chicken pox. Ideally, babies should be vaccinated between the ages of 12 and 18 months. Children aged 19 months to 13 years can also be vaccinated and receive one dose, just like babies. Adolescents over age 13 require two doses of the vaccine, given 4 to 8 weeks apart.

A history of recent exposure and the rash's characteristic appearance usually make the diagnosis clear, and your doctor can generally diagnose the condition over the telephone. Be sure to call your doctor rather than make an appointment without consulting him first. Discussing the management of the disease on the telephone will prevent unnecessary exposure of the virus, thereby, protecting other people from getting infected

• Sores in the mouth may interfere with eating so nutritious milk shakes, liquid meal replacements, shakes; Popsicles, creamy mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, rice pudding etc. may be better alternatives.
• Avoid sweets, chocolates or meat.
• Oral numbing sprays are advised prior to eating. They facilitate painless ingestion of food. Check with your doctor or dentist for prescription varieties.
• Stay away from salty or spicy foods and citrus fruits.
• Give plenty of liquids in the form of vegetables broths and mild fruit juices.

• Colloidal oatmeal baths have been known to control itching. 
• Clothing should be light and nonconstrictive.
• Cortisone-based ointments should not be used on the rash as they can increase the risk of infection.
• Keep your child’s nails short and clean. File them smooth to discourage scratching, which can lead to infection and scarring. 
• Wash hands often to prevent secondary infections. Soft gloves or socks covering the hands of very small children are advisable.
• Wet compresses applied to the rash can ease itching. Use red raspberry, catnip and peppermint powder mixed in a base of diluted apple cider vinegar.
• Take a warm bath using 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 a cup of apple cider vinegar.
• An over the counter preparation in pad or lotion form can aid in alleviating itching. 
• Using olive oil in the dried out scabs may cause them to drop off sooner.
• An aloe vera or comfrey salve can help to relieve itching. A black walnut tincture can also be used.
• A cool bath can ease itching, particularly when pix are present in the genital area. Cornstarch can also be added to the water.
• Witch hazel applied to the sores can help to calm itching and inflammation.

Effective baths for skin itching are very useful. Wet compresses also help the body to relax.