Chicken pox in children

Chicken pox in children is a very contagious and easily spreading infection that is caused by a chickenpox virus. This virus is transmitted from one child to another in two ways:

• Direct contact with the rash.

• Through the air when coughing or sneezing.

This is a very common childhood infection. Most children under the age of 9 suffered an infectious disease like chicken pox.

Symptoms

Can be different. Some children develop a mild form of chickenpox, and parents do not even know that it was with their child. However, in typical (uncomplicated) cases, this disease begins with one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Fatigue.

• Irritability.

• A characteristic rash, which is usually easy to identify.

The rash begins as a red round or oval spot in the center of which appears a blister filled with a yellowish liquid containing the varicella zoster virus. The rash is very itchy and can occur on any part of the body. Some children have very little blisters, while others can cover almost the entire body.

When chickenpox in children is contagious?

Chickenpox is considered contagious a few days before the rash appears. That is why the disease spreads so easily, because already ill children go to school or kindergarten. After the appearance of the rash the child is contagious within 3 to 5 days, or until all the vesicles are dried and crusted. A child can return to school or a kindergarten when the rash completely passes. If you do not follow these precautions, then many children, and even adults, will get a diagnosis of chicken pox.

The incubation period ranges from 11 to 20 days, although in most cases the chickenpox develops within 14 days. If the disease does not develop after this period, the child was not infected.

What are the complications?

Fortunately, chicken pox in children does not generally cause serious consequences. Nevertheless, approximately one child in 2000 can develop very serious complications:

• Pneumonia.

• Bacterial infections.

• Inflammation of the brain or encephalitis.

• Problems associated with infection of a specific part of the brain.

• Death (very rarely).

These complications can develop in the following groups (high risk):

• Adults.

• Very young children.

• Adults or children with a weak immune system (eg, AIDS or cancer).

• People taking medications that cause weakening of the immune system.

Treatment of chickenpox

As such, there are no chickenpox , but there are recommendations that will prevent the development of complications:

• Apply soothing baths (oatmeal, baking soda, or corn starch) to help relieve itching.

• A cold compress can also help.

• Make sure that the child has short nails so that he does not scratch the rash.

• Use acetaminophen to reduce fever.

• Aspirin should not be given to children with chicken pox.

• Make sure that the child drinks enough.

When to see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

• There are signs of infection around the blisters, such as redness or swelling.

• Very high temperature.

• The child has vomiting.

• The child is difficult to wake up or there is disorientation when walking.

Can chickenpox be prevented by vaccination?

Yes, there is a vaccine that protects children from chicken pox.

Can chickenpox in children be repeated?

No. However, the varicella-zoster virus still remains in the body forever. Sometimes, as a rule, in the elderly or people with a weakened immune system, the virus appears on the skin again. This is called herpes zoster. People who have not yet had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated can get a virus if they come into contact with such a person.