Chickenpox. Symptoms and treatment.

Chicken pox refers to infectious diseases caused by the herpes virus. Chickenpox is the most infectious of all childhood diseases. After all, it can be picked up at any contact with the patient, as well as through common objects or toys (in very rare cases).

The majority of those infected are children between the ages of two and seven. Of course, there are cases of diseases in infants and adults. And if the illness in children, as a rule, passes without a trace, then chicken pox in adults is quite hard and often has serious complications. The period from infection to the appearance of the first symptom usually lasts up to three weeks. In addition, chicken pox is a seasonal disease that progresses in the winter-spring period.

The first symptoms of the disease are elevated body temperature (up to 40 C), headache, malaise, general weakness, sometimes diarrhea. On the third day after this, a rash appears on the body. At first, red spots appear in the neck, face, head and limbs, which then turn into nodules, and then into papules (vesicles) filled with liquid. In the future, the blisters become dry and subsequently peeled off. These stages of the papule usually take place within 48 hours. The number of bubbles in each case individually. In some cases it is possible to have only a few acne, and in others, the diseased will be strewn with them completely.

After exfoliating the papules, the color of the skin can be changed in their place, and even a small scar can remain, which in due course must completely disappear. In some cases, the bubbles may appear on the mucous membranes: in the mouth, in the eyes and in the genital area.

One of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease is itching - the papules are very itchy, especially at elevated temperature and at night. If they are scratched, this can lead to infection and the formation of permanent scars. In patients with reduced immunity in extreme cases, chickenpox can lead to severe complications (eg, chickenpox encephalitis) and even death.

Papules are formed throughout the period of the disease. Fortunately, chicken pox outside the human body dies quickly, so in the case of the disease it is time that plays a big role. The virus enters the human body through the upper respiratory tract, and then spreads through the blood.

It should be noted that chickenpox and pregnancy are compatible and mostly do not lead to tragic consequences (unlike rubella, which occurred during the carrying of the baby, which is an indication for the interruption of pregnancy). Although in general, the chickenpox of a woman expecting a baby is extremely undesirable, and in some cases even dangerous. If the future mother is sick with chickenpox, the risk for the fetus depends on the period of pregnancy. Until the 20th week, the virus can cause damage to the eyes, limbs, brain, bladder or bowel in the child (however, such defects occur in no more than 2% of cases). Until week 36, the virus is not harmful to the fetus. Sometimes, however, he can remain hidden in his body and activate after several years of life in the form of shingles. After 36 weeks of pregnancy, full-blown chicken pox can develop in the fetus, and the newborn has a severe disease.

Treatment of varicella in the absence of complications is symptomatic and consists in knocking down the temperature and removing itching. As a rule, it is easier to carry the disease in bed, especially in cases of extreme heat and weakness. To remove the itching apply a variety of ointments or creams. In addition, the patient's skin should be regularly disinfected. For this purpose, a brilliant green or potassium permanganate solution is used, although some doctors say that almost nothing depends on such procedures, so the skin can be smeared with nothing. In addition, it is important to often change the clothes and bed of the patient. For people with weakened immunity, antiviral drugs, corticosteroids or antibiotics are indicated.

Preventing the disease is avoiding communication with patients. The vaccine is also an effective means of protection. The vaccine is administered twice - once after 9 months of age and at 12 years. Then two doses are given after 13 years. True, the vaccine in our country against chicken pox is not mandatory, so those wishing to do it will have to pay a round sum out of their pocket.