What you need to know about chickenpox

Chickenpox is an infectious disease characterized by red rashes on the skin. Although this condition is mostly seen in children, it can affect people of all ages. The resulting body rash may turn into pus-filled blisters over time. Other symptoms may include high fever, headache, body aches, fatigue and loss of appetite. Symptoms of chickenpox begin to appear approximately 10-21 days after infection and are mild or moderate. The most common way chickenpox is transmitted is through the respiratory route, but it can also be transmitted through direct contact or through contact with infected surfaces. Chickenpox can usually be treated at home, and antipyretic and antipruritic medications can be used to relieve symptoms.

What is Chickenpox Disease?

The disease that occurs in the body due to the virus called varicella zoster, defined as the chickenpox virus, is characterized by water-filled blisters and rashes and causes weakness and fatigue in children. Chicken pox, which is a contagious disease, has an important place in the vaccination schedule applied by the Ministry of Health to babies, as it is a disease that can be prevented by vaccination. The virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. While chickenpox can be overcome with milder symptoms at a young age, it progresses to a much more serious condition in older ages. It can even cause infant deaths during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

The chickenpox virus, which has an incubation period of approximately 10 to 20 days, manifests itself with water-filled blisters and rashes on the skin. The beginning of chickenpox is noticed by light pink spots on the skin. Fever and fatigue are among the symptoms of chickenpox in children. As the disease progresses, the light pink spots turn into red blisters filled with water. Loss of appetite, weakness, malaise and runny nose are among the symptoms of chickenpox in babies. The water-filled blisters begin to form crusts and fall off within approximately 12 to 24 hours, and are replaced by new ones. Blisters, which are especially common in the trunk part of the body, are relatively less common on the arms, between the hair and on the face. The disease causes extreme itching and bursting the blisters leaves scars on the skin.

When is the Chickenpox Vaccination Given?

Chickenpox, which is usually seen in preschool children, can also be seen in school-age children. Since it is a contagious disease, children who go to school should not use their friends’ personal belongings and avoid close contact in order to avoid contracting this disease. Chickenpox vaccine should be administered to prevent chickenpox. Chickenpox vaccine should be given after the baby turns one year old. The vaccine, which does not have any side effects, may cause moodiness, malaise and mild fever in some children. One of the most important points about the chickenpox vaccine is the 6-week period after vaccination. During this period, drugs containing salicylates such as aspirin should not be used.

Chickenpox Treatment

Chickenpox, which can be overcome with plenty of rest, drinking plenty of water and a healthy diet, without requiring any medication, lasts approximately 7 days. Approximately 3 days of this period are a high fever phase. At this stage, antipyretic drugs may be prescribed by the doctor. It may be recommended to take a shower with warm water to reduce the fever. One of the most frequently asked questions about this disease is what is good for chickenpox itching. Creams and lotions may be prescribed by the doctor to prevent itching. Since bursting water-filled vesicles will increase the risk of infection, regular use of anti-itch creams and lotions is recommended.