Chicken pox is an infection caused by a virus, which is called the herpes varicella-zoster virus. The virus can be highly contagious to people with no immunity to the disease, because they haven’t had a vaccination, or because they have never had the illness. Today the vaccination for chickenpox is widely available, so the incidence of people having serious bouts of the disease that require hospital care are much lower than in years past. In the past, most of the population contracted the illness at some time in childhood and then developed a natural immunity to it.
For most people, chickenpox is a mild illness to get through, but it does come with a host of symptoms that can be difficult to experience. Chickenpox can usually be diagnosed by paying attention to the signs and symptoms of the illness, which can come on after 10 to 21 days after an initial exposure to the virus. Children who show signs of unusual fatigue, headache, high temperature and lack of appetite should be monitored for signs of an outbreak of a rash that indicate chickenpox.
Children should be vaccinated against the disease, to guard against contracting a serious case with complications, (which can include pneumonia, dehydration, toxic shock syndrome, Reye’s syndrome and a range of bacterial infections) as well as to guard against infecting others they come in contact with. If a person does come down with chickenpox, the recovery period will last from five to ten days. Symptoms like fatigue and elevated temperature may come on about one or two days before an itchy rash appears on the skin. Here are the symptoms a patient can expect to endure if they are hit with the illness.
1. Skin Blisters
Skin blisters are a common symptom of chicken pox. These blisters begin as red-colored bumps on the skin surface, and as the illness progresses they fill with fluid. These blisters, which can be quite painful, can appear all over the body, even in the mouth or on the scalp. These blisters can also break out near the eyes, and in the genital region. These bumps and blisters can keep breaking out all over the body as the virus remains in the body. These water-blisters will eventually drain and dry out, but they will keep coming up until the virus has completely run its course.
The chickenpox illness is very contagious to others right before (a day or two) the rash leading to blisters breaks out on the skin, which is when the illness becomes obvious. The red-speckles that cover the skin of a person who has chickenpox are a sure sign of the disease, as the patient will appear very “spotted” with the rash’s blisters until the virus has finally healed and left the body. Once a person has had chickenpox, they will have a natural immunity to the disease, but the dormant virus can manifest itself much later in life, in the form of shingles. A vaccine to prevent shingles is available, however, and is recommended for people over the age of 60.
2. Skin Scabs
After the rash from chickenpox turns into raised, fluid-filled blisters, the patient will have to endure great discomfort until the blisters finally drain and begin to dry up. They will become covered with scabs, as the healing process continues. The difficulty in much of this process is the ongoing nature of the rash and blisters. As some blisters heal up into scabs, other blisters will manifest, making a bit of a vicious cycle of itchiness, healing and discomfort, all combined, until the virus finally finishes its course. The chickenpox virus will continue to be contagious in the patient until all the blisters and scabs have completely healed and dried up.
3. Whole Body Fatigue
When a patients first contracts chickenpox, they may experience a general feeling of being “unwell,” and not quite themselves at all. An overall feeling of tiredness and drowsiness is part of the whole-body fatigue symptom that come with the chickenpox, as the body initially tries to fight off the illness. Some people may try to continue with their normal activities when chickenpox first manifests itself, but this can be difficult, as the overall tiredness that comes on can be overwhelming, and can definitely affect a person’s ability to move about and think clearly. If this symptom starts to manifest, it’s wise to rest and watch for any other signs of the illness, like a red rash.
4. Fever
As chickenpox begins to develop in a patient, the feeling of whole body fatigue and exhaustion can also be accompanied by an elevated temperature, which is a sign that exposure to an illness has likely taken place. Fever will definitely add to the overall feeling of malaise and of being unwell, and the best course of action is to rest and stay very well hydrated. Some over-the-counter remedies, like aspirin or acetaminophen can help to ease the body pain and overall muscle aches that can come with a high temperature, and bring the patient some relief for pain and possible insomnia.
5. Loss of Appetite
As the chickenpox patient deals with fatigue and fever and the weakness that comes with fighting an infection, a general loss of appetite is to be expected. As the body fights the virus, there isn’t as much need to take in calories, and keeping the patient on a minimal and simple diet for a few days is fine. Clear soups, crackers, water and tea are all the patient may be able to eat as they fight the illness. On full recovery, the appetite will generally be restored.
6. Headache
A throbbing head is another difficult symptom that can come along with the chickenpox virus. This can add to the overall discomfort of the situation as the patient deals with all the symptoms associated with this disease. Headaches can be treated with aspirin and acetaminophen, and as the fever lessens with treatment, the throbbing head may also ease. Rest and hydration are the best remedy, as well as the application of menthol on the temples, and a hot towel on the forehead.
7. Itching
Another difficult symptom of chickenpox is the itchiness that comes with the outbreak of the rash, followed by blisters and scabs. A patient who is enduring these symptoms should see a doctor, to ensure that the itchiness of the rash doesn’t lead to an aggravation of the situation by continual scratching. Again, most cases of chickenpox are mild, but in some cases, if left untreated, the rash can spread and lead to a secondary infection that is more serious. No one wants to get chickenpox, as the illness, though usually not serious, is very uncomfortable, and can become complicated if it is not treated. If you or a family member are dealing with this illness, get the advice of a doctor and treatment right away, and get vaccinated.
