By:

Ari & Jenn

It feels like a fever. Or maybe a cold. When you look in the mirror and see spots you know its not
a game of connect-the-dots. Its
Chicken Pox a.k.a Varicella
Occurs primarily in children, although adults who are not immune can contract it. It is quite
contagious and is spread by breathing in infected respiratory droplets or unprotected direct
contact with the rash when it has ruptured. In persons who have had chickenpox, the virus can
cause shingles later in life.
Itchy and Scratchy
The best known symptom of chickenpox is the itchy, red rash that breaks out on the face,
scalp, chest, back, and sometimes arms and legs. The rash usually appears about 2 weeks
after exposure to the virus and begins as superficial spots.
The spots quickly fill with a clear fluid, rupture, and turn crusty. The scabs then
fall off in a week or two. The rash continues to break out for the first 1 to 5 days, so
spots at various stages of development may be present at the same time. Chickenpox
seldom lasts for more than 2 weeks, from the appearance of the first rash to the
disappearance of the last one. A secondary infection of the ruptured rash by bacteria may
cause high fever and skin scarring.
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Treatment
Isolate the diseased until the rash crusts.
Keep skin clean by frequent baths or, once the fever has subsided, showers. Cool,
wet compresses or tepid water baths help to relieve itching. Complications are
treated according to symptoms; Secondary bacterial pneumonia is treated with
antibiotics.
Antihistamines may be used to help relieve the itching.
Acyclovir is used for severe Varicella infections involving the lungs or the brain and
in persons with a depressed immune system.
Prevention
Children between 12 and 18 months should receive a dose of chickenpox
vaccine, Varicella-zoster immune globulin. Now, more than 20 states
have passed legislation requiring the chickenpox vaccine for child care
and school entry. Healthy children older than 13, and adults who
have no history of chickenpox and have never been immunized
against the disease, should also consider receiving the vaccine.

Autosomal Issue
If a pregnant woman contracts chickenpox during the first or second
trimester, there is a small risk that her child will be born with a
congenital malformation. When a pregnant woman contracts the
disease within 5 days of delivery, there is a high risk of the newborn
having serious disease.
PrameGel and Polysoporin may be used to rub on pox to
help decrease the itchiness.
Benedryl is used to control fever and cold-like symptons
while Aveeno bath treatment also helps alleviate that nasty,
unbearable itch.
Common Medication