CHICKENPOX: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, SIDE EFFECTS & SIGNS

Chickenpox is a virus that belongs to the herpes zoster virus family. It is one of the contagious diseases, but people can’t get infected twice in their lifetime. Otherwise, it is highly contagious to those without previous exposure to the disease in their life. Once the child or the person is infected, their bodies form a memory of the immune cells; that’s why it rarely occurs twice in a person and is rare to infect older people. 

The virus can be spread from person to person by direct contact, inhalation of aerosols from vesicular fluid of skin lesions of acute varicella or zoster; and possibly through infected respiratory secretions that also may be aerosolized. Vaccination against the disease helps protect from the virus. Its vaccine is safe and provides adequate protection against the disease.

In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms, the causes, the risk factors, and the treatment of this condition. You can also learn more about the prevention, risk factors, and home remedies to educate yourself on how to deal with this condition.

What is chickenpox infection?

It’s a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Infection lasts for 7 to 21 days and is contagious during the first one to two days, before the rash appears, and till it has dried and crusted.

Symptoms of Chickenpox Disease

Symptoms appear in 2 stages:

The first stage: before the rash, known as the dormant stage, which is the most contagious stage, the most common symptoms are:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

The second stage: This stage starts when the rash appears. This rash has many forms as follows:

• Raised pink or red bumps.
• Fluid-filled vesicles that can burst.
• Crusts and scabs, which take some time to heal.

The rash may be very itchy, especially when the blisters burst, as they contain irritative substances which irritate the skin.

In severe cases, the rashes cover the whole body and involve the throat, eyes, vagina, and anus.

Causes of Chickenpox

The main cause of chickenpox is exposure to the varicella-zoster virus. Once the virus enters the body, it replicates in the respiratory tract and then spreads through the bloodstream. This results in the characteristic symptoms of chickenpox, including fever, fatigue, and the development of a rash consisting of itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over.

Risk Factors of Chickenpox Disease

Chickenpox is most commonly seen in children, but it can affect individuals of any age who have not been previously infected or vaccinated against the virus. The virus remains contagious from about 1-2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over, which typically takes around 5-7 days after the onset of the rash.

While the varicella-zoster virus is the primary cause of chickenpox, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of catching the disease. These risk factors include:

• Close Contact: Being close to someone with chickenpox in the contagious stage increases the risk of transmission.
• Unvaccinated Status: Individuals not vaccinated against chickenpox are at higher risk of contracting the disease.
• Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or individuals with certain medical conditions, are more susceptible to severe chickenpox infections.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox before or been vaccinated against it are at risk of complications both for themselves and their unborn babies if they catch the virus during pregnancy.

People who carry an increased risk of developing severe chickenpox are:

• Newborns and infants whose mothers have never been infected with varicella-zoster
• Smokers
• Adolescents and adults
• Pregnant women with no history of chickenpox
• People with a compromised immune system

Patients on steroid medications for a long time for another condition, like asthma

Diagnosis of Chickenpox

Clinical symptoms alone are enough to diagnose chickenpox. No tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Chickenpox

Chickenpox infection resolves on its own in a week or two. To speed up the recovery, the following measures can be taken:

• Apply a cool, moist rag on the rash, keep it dry and away from rubbing with any surface.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep the child cool.
• Encourage the child not to scratch. Trim their fingernails so they don’t hurt themselves while scratching.
• A lotion that contains antihistamines should be applied to the rash. 
• Antihistamine pills can be taken to relieve the itching sensation.
• Avoid giving the child aspirin. It can worsen their condition. Use acetaminophen instead.
• To avoid dehydration, make sure that plenty of liquids are taken.
• Oral acyclovir or valacyclovir treatment can be considered for certain groups at increased risk for moderate-to-severe varicella.

Populations at high risk include:

• Healthy people older than 12 years of age.
• People with chronic cutaneous or pulmonary disorders.
• People who receive long-term salicylate therapy.
• People who receive short, intermittent, or aerosolized courses of corticosteroids.
• Some healthcare providers may choose to use oral acyclovir or valacyclovir for secondary cases within a household. For maximum benefit, oral acyclovir or valacyclovir therapy should be given within the first 24 hours after the varicella rash starts.
• Oral acyclovir or valacyclovir therapy is not recommended for use in otherwise healthy children experiencing typical varicella without complications.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Chickenpox

The following self-care measures should be followed to help relieve the symptoms of chickenpox, especially itching:

• Avoid scratching the itchy skin, keep it dry and covered.
• Apply soothing lotion and wear gloves on your hands, especially at night.
• Trim the fingernails.
• Apply an ice pack to the lesions to help soothe the itchy feeling.

Complications of Chickenpox

Chickenpox rarely presents complications. but, in certain cases, due to multiple precipitating factors, chickenpox may progress to one or more of the following complications:

• Bacterial infections of the skin, bones, soft tissues, joints, or bloodstream, known as sepsis
• Reye’s syndrome: a serious condition that may affect children who are on aspirin during chickenpox. After a week or two of chickenpox, they experience nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and even a coma. It’s a life-threatening condition that causes brain injury.  
• Dehydration
• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• Death

Prevention of Chickenpox

The chickenpox vaccine is provided to children to prevent chickenpox infection.

The vaccine is taken in at least two doses. The first dose is taken between 12 and 15 months old. Then, the second dose is taken between 4 and 6 years. If the child missed their vaccine before they turned 13, they should take two doses at least 28 days apart.

Vaccination should not be taken if the individual is:

• Allergic to the vaccine 
• Pregnant 
• Compromised immune system.
• Have tuberculosis.
• Aren’t feeling well
• Recently underwent a blood transfusion or taken a shot of some other live vaccine, such as the yellow fever vaccine, the MMR, and influenza vaccines.

Conclusion

Chickenpox, though commonly seen in childhood, can affect people of all ages and lead to complications if not properly managed. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures can help minimize the risks associated with the infection. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent chickenpox, protecting both individuals and communities. As always, consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns, especially if complications arise or if you’re in a high-risk group.