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Chickenpox |
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Definition
Chickenpox is one of the classic childhood diseases,
and one of the most contagious. The affected child or
adult may develop hundreds of itchy, fluid-filled
blisters that burst and form crusts. Chickenpox is
caused by a virus.
Cause
The virus that causes chickenpox is varicella-zoster,
a member of the herpesvirus family. The same virus
also causes herpes zoster (shingles) in adults.
Symptoms
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Begins as red, raised lesions
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Lesions then blister, fill with
pus, burst, and scab over
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Most prominent on face, scalp,
and trunk; less prominent but present on arms and
legs
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Itching -- can be severe
Screening and
Diagnostics
- Tzanck smear of base of blister
Treatment
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Keep skin clean
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Calamine lotion for itching
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Colloidal oatmeal baths for
itching
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Antihistamines -- over the
counter Benadryl or prescription Zyrtec are good
choices.
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Tylenol for fevers
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Isolate infected individuals
from others who have not had Chicken Pox.
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Anti-viral therapy such as
Acyclovir or Famvir by mouth
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Immune compromised (such as
HIV Infection)
may need intravenous Acyclovir.
Prognosis
The outcome is generally excellent in uncomplicated
cases. Encephalitis, pneumonia, and other invasive
bacterial infections are serious, but rare,
complications of chickenpox.
Complications
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Women
who acquire chickenpox during pregnancy are at risk
for congenital infection of the fetus.
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Newborns are at risk for severe infection, if they
are exposed and their mothers are not immune.
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A
secondary infection of the blisters may occur.
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Encephalitis is a serious, but rare complication.
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Reye's syndrome, pneumonia, myocarditis, and
transient arthritis are other possible complications
of chickenpox
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Cerebellar ataxia may appear during the recovery
phase or later. This is characterized by a very
unsteady walk.
Prevention
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