Varicella (Chickenpox) Symptoms and Treatment

Varicella, commonly referred to as chickenpox, is an infectious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). It commonly affects the kids under 10 years. Varicella is highly contagious; virus can be transmitted from an infected person to another through the direct contact with skin blisters or through inhalation of respiratory secretions of an infected person. An infected individual remains contagious from 2 days prior to appearance of skin rash until all blisters turn into dry scabs. Those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk of VZV infection than others.

Symptoms of Varicella

The incubation period of varicella is about 10 - 20 days. During this period, the infected person manifests the flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, abdominal pain and sore throat. Early signs of varicella start with itchy skin rash, particularly on the face, back and abdomen. Within 2 - 3 days, the rash progresses and spreads to all parts of the body.

The rash appears as small red bumps that resembles pimples. These bumps develop into small fluid-filled blisters (size less than quarter of an inch), which consist of VZV. Initially, the fluid is clear and transparent, which turns cloudy afterwards. Blisters then open within a few days and crust over forming dry scabs. Chickenpox heals without scarring the skin within 8 - 10 days after the onset of symptoms.

It is observed that varicella symptoms are severe in adults in comparison to kids. However, kids with skin disorders like eczema may develop severe symptoms. Pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are susceptible to severe health complications of varicella. On an average one out of every 50 varicella patients develop serious complications such as varicella pneumonia and encephalitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Varicella

Varicella is diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin rash and medical history of the patient. In order to rule out other skin disorders, the physician may recommend viral culture. Healthy children and adults recover from varicella without any treatment. Antiviral drugs may be prescribed to prevent serious complications. For the effective treatment, antiviral medications are given within 24 hours after the onset of skin rash.

Over-the-counter drugs for reliving itching can be administered under medical supervision. Home treatments like wet compresses on the affected skin, regular cleaning with soap and lukewarm water and cotton clothing soothe the itching rash. An infection by VZV can be prevented by vaccinating the kids with chickenpox vaccine. Vaccination is effective in 70 - 90 percent cases. First vaccine is usually given between 12 to 15 months and next booster between 4 - 6 years. Those above 13 years who never had varicella before should get two doses of the vaccine, under the prescription of a qualified physician.

In general, those who have primary infection with VZV are immune to further onset of the same disease. However, in some cases, the virus remains in a dormant state within the nerve cells. If the virus reactivates after several years, then it leads to a severe condition known as shingles (zoster). About 20 percent people with primary infection develop shingles later. An individual having shingles can spread the virus and cause varicella to those who have had not varicella before. Routine immunization of shingles vaccine prevents the reactivation of VZV virus.