Causes, symptoms and treatment of chicken pox in children and adults

Chicken pox is one of the most common viral infections that almost every person has known since childhood. And because such a disease is considered childish, then information about what are the main symptoms and treatment of chickenpox will be useful to every parent.

Chickenpox: Causes and Symptoms of Disease

The causative agent of the disease is the virus. The infection is transmitted exclusively by airborne droplets, so the only source of the disease is an infected person (even if the symptoms have not yet appeared). It is worth noting that the human body is extremely susceptible to this kind of disease. The patient is contagious from the day of infection and until the moment when the crusts fall off. The incubation period of infection is from ten days to three weeks.

The symptoms of chickenpox in a child are quite typical. The main symptom is a rash. First, the skin is poured reddish spots, which quickly turn into watery bubbles. The rash, as a rule, appears on the trunk, the scalp, the limbs and the face. The intensity of rashes can be different - some children have only a few bubbles, the body of others is almost completely covered by them.

On the second or third day, the specks begin to dry out. On the site of the rash, crusts appear, which eventually disappear on their own. As a rule, a week later there is almost no trace left of them. The rash is accompanied by very severe itching. It is worth noting that to comb the skin in any case impossible, because then on the site of rashes may remain scars. In addition, the wound is very easy to infect.

Another symptom of the disease is fever (up to 38 degrees). Although some children have chickenpox without weakness and fever.

Treatment of chickenpox in children

First of all, when you have the first symptoms, you should call a doctor. Treatment of chickenpox in most cases does not cause difficulties, but for the safety of the child it is worth to show the specialist. Baby needs bed rest.

You need to constantly disinfect the ranks. To this end, they are treated with greenery. Sometimes a weak solution of potassium permanganate is used instead. These medicines not only have an antiseptic effect, but also accelerate the pouring of crusts.

The most frequent complication of the disease is skin suppuration. Remember that, despite the severe itching, you can not comb the eruptions. In addition, watch for the cleanliness of the nails and hands of the patient. It is recommended to change clothes and bed linen daily.

Quite often the rash appears on the mucous membrane of the mouth - in such cases, you need to carefully monitor the nutrition and hygiene of the oral cavity. Rinse your mouth with boiled water or a decoction of chamomile as often as possible. If the chickenpox infects the mucous membranes of the eyes, then it is necessary to use special drops, which the doctor will appoint.

Treatment of chickenpox in most cases is at home. Hospitalization of the child is necessary only in case of complications. After ailment, the body produces persistent immunity. Repeated infections are very rare.

Chickenpox in adults

Despite the fact that this virus infection is most common among children from 2 to 10 years old, the disease can also affect adults who have not had it in childhood. This childhood disease is much more difficult in adulthood. Quite often patients need hospitalization. The symptoms remain the same - the skin is covered with a bubble rash, the temperature rises (almost to 40 degrees). In addition, the probability of suppuration of the skin is much higher.

So what to treat chickenpox in adults? The basic principles are the same - rashes are treated with greenery, carefully monitor personal hygiene, clean clothes and linen. If there are suppuration, the doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.