Chicken Pox - Medtick

Chicken Pox

What is it?

A highly infectious condition caused by Varicella-Zoster virus, once infected most develop immunity from that infection.

Do not take ibuprofen to reduce fever in this condition as it can lead to skin reactions as well as it can lead to secondary infection including Pneumonia and Necrotising fasciitis.

Cause

  • Virus: Varicella-Zoster virus
  • From others affected by chickenpox.

Symptoms

Mild flu-like symptoms:

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
  • Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
  • A new rash that has appeared or existing rash getting worst (a red rash which starts as small itchy red spots, then approximately 12 hours later the spots turn into fluid filled blisters, when they burst it is contagious. Blisters can form on hands, feet, inside mouth or on genitals as open sores. After 1-4 days blisters dry out and begin to crust over. One or two week’s later skin will fall off naturally. It can vary to a few spots to all over body rarely on back)?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:


This condition can lead to:


Pregnancy

  • Infection during the first 28 weeks can result in a rare but serious condition called congenital varicella syndrome, which may cause shortened limbs, vision problems (such as cataracts), brain damage and scarring.
  • Infection during weeks 28 to 37 can mean your baby is at risk of developing shingles at some point after they’re born.
  • Infection a week before to a week after birth can mean your baby is a risk of a severe and potentially life-threatening chickenpox infection.

NHS Choices

Others:


Treatment

  • Do no treat this condition with steroidal cream and/or moisturisers as it may make the condition worst.
  • One can use anti-histamines (if suitable), chicken pox gels and lotions (if suitable) and/or calamine lotion (if suitable) to calm the skin down if its it itchy and/or sore.
  • If it appears infected and/or is getting worst, your medical doctor will decide if antibiotics and/or viral medication is required (do not self diagnose).

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Chicken Pox in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).