Varicella - Symptoms & Treatment

Varicella is commonly known in the United States as chickenpoxand. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the causative agent, shows little genetic variation and has no animal reservoir. In Varicella infection, the virus remains latent in neural ganglia, and upon subsequent reactivation VZV may cause zoster (shingles), a disease mainly affecting the elderly and immunocompromised persons. Although individual cases may be prevented or modified by varicella-zoster immune globulin or treated with antiviral drugs, control of varicella can be achieved only by widespread vaccination. The disease generally is regarded as a mild, self-limiting viral illness with occasional complications. Kids can be protected from VZV by getting the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine, usually between the ages of 12 to 15 months. Pregnant women have high risk of severe varicella, especially pneumonia.

Getting the chickenpox vaccine significantly lowers your child's chances of getting chickenpox, but he or she may still develop shingles later. A person usually has only one episode of chickenpox, but VZV can lie dormant within the body and cause a different type of skin eruption later in life called shingles (or herpes zoster). Chickenpox causes a red, itchy rash on the skin that usually appears first on the abdomen or back and face, and then spreads to almost everywhere else on the body, including the scalp, mouth, nose, ears, and genitals.Chickenpox blisters are usually less than a quarter of an inch wide, have a reddish base, and appear in bouts over 2 to 4 days. The rash may be more extensive or severe in kids who have skin disorders such as eczema.

Causes of varicella

Common causes of varicella

Varicella-zoster virus.
Papules and vesicles.
Malignancy.
Contact with lesions.

Symptoms of varicella

Common Symptoms of Varicella

Fever.
Abdominal pain.
Sore throat.
Headache.
Vague sick feeling

Treatment of varicella

Common Treatment of varicella

Antiviral medicine acyclovir may be prescribed for people with chickenpox who are at risk for complications. The drug, which can make the infection less severe, must be given within the first 24 hours after the rash appears.
Manage pruritus with cool compresses and regular bathing.
Discourage scratching to avoid scarring. Trimming the child's fingernails and having the child wear mittens while sleeping may reduce scratching
Piriton syrup can also be given and is very effective
Ibuprofen should only be given if prescribed by a doctor) is usually all that is required.
Piriton syrup can also be given and is very effective.