Dealing with chicken pox - symptoms, treatment, and recovery

Chickenpox might sound like a funny name, but it's a serious ailment that most people experience at least once. Most individuals might catch it during childhood, and while it can be uncomfortable, it's usually not fatal for healthy kids and adults.

One moment, you feel fine; the next, you're covered in those telltale red spots that can make you feel miserable. But the good news is that most people recover completely, and once you've had chicken pox, you're typically immune for life.

Let’s discuss what might lead to chicken pox, how it can be diagnosed, managed, or treated, and, more importantly, how to care for yourself during the disease.

What Causes Chicken Pox?

Chickenpox is caused by a virus named varicella-zoster. It spreads quickly, primarily through:

• Breathing the Same Air: Tiny virus particles float if someone with chicken pox coughs or sneezes. You can breathe these in and catch the virus if you're nearby.
• Direct Contact: Touching the fluid from someone's chicken pox blisters can spread the virus. For example, if you touch the rash of an infected person and then touch your face, you might catch the virus.
• Sharing Personal Items: Using the same towels, clothes, or other personal items as someone with chicken pox can also spread the virus.

Who's Most Likely to Catch It?

Some people are more likely to get chicken pox:

• Children who haven't been vaccinated
• People who have never had chickenpox before
• Anyone with a weak immune system

The Infection Process

When the virus enters your body, it starts replicating. It takes about 10-21 days before you start showing symptoms. During this time, you might feel completely normal. But you can be contagious before you even know you're sick!

Early Warning Signs

Your body gives you several hints that something is brewing before those itchy spots show up.

Let's explore the early warning signs that might signal chicken pox is on its way.

• Feeling Under the Weather: You might feel tired and low on energy. So, you need to rest more than usual.
• Temperature Trouble: A mild to moderate fever often appears first. Body temperature might rise to around 101-102°F (38.3-38.9°C). The fever can last for a day or two before the rash appears.
• Body Aches: You might feel mild muscle and joint pain or general discomfort. Headaches can also be common.
• Loss of Appetite: During chickenpox, you might not feel hungry, or food might seem less appealing.

How the Rash Begins?

At first, tiny red spots appear on your skin, looking innocent and harmless. These small, pink bumps can pop up anywhere on your body.

Stages of the Rash Development

The rash doesn't appear all at once. These initial red spots quickly transform into fluid-filled blisters that look like tiny, clear bubbles on your skin. These blisters will completely transform over the next few days, changing from clear to cloudy and forming scabs.

Spread and Coverage

The rash spreads rapidly, moving from a few spots to covering large areas of your skin. You'll find these spots everywhere – on your face, chest, back, and even inside your mouth and ears.

Appearance and Texture

Red spots start small and flat, then quickly rise and fill with fluid. Each blister is slightly raised and round and can be incredibly tempting to scratch, though doctors strongly advise against it.

Colour Changes

It begins as a light pink or red spot and becomes a more pronounced red bump. As the blister fills with fluid, it becomes more pronounced and can look like a white or yellowish bubble against your skin.

Itching and Discomfort

These blisters can irritate you, making you want to scratch them constantly. However, scratching is dangerous and can lead to scarring or secondary infections.

Location Specifics

Some areas of the body are more likely to be affected than others. The torso, face, and scalp are prime spots for these blisters. They can also appear on arms and legs and even in more sensitive areas like the mouth, eyelids, and genital area.

The Healing Process

The small blisters in chickenpox rupture and crust over to form a scab. Do not scratch the skin; these scabs form on the body to protect and heal the affected part. They will slowly fall off, and new skin will appear slightly pink. The whole process usually lasts from 7 to 10 days.

Treatment Options

It’s not as simple as eradicating the virus; it’s about controlling symptoms and potentiating complications. Let’s have a look at some treatment methods:

Home Care

Chickenpox is not just endured but managed until the virus has completed its cycle. It's about making yourself or your loved one as comfortable as possible while supporting the body's natural healing process.

• Rest and Recovery: Your body requires more energy to combat the virus, so your immune system will function well if you are in bed or resting.
• Fever Management: To reduce the fever, use lukewarm baths or cool compresses. Other medicines, such as acetaminophen, are available over the counter, but consult a doctor for the right dosage.
• Itch Relief Strategies: Itching can drive you crazy, but scratching is dangerous. To reduce the itching, use calamine lotion, a cool bath containing baking soda or wear light-coloured, loose clothing.

Medical Treatments

in some cases, chicken pox goes beyond just home remedies. Medical treatments can help reduce the severity and prevent complications.

• Antiviral Medications: If started early, these medications can reduce the severity of the illness. They are particularly significant to individuals with weak immunity.
• Pain Management: Prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Acetaminophen is usually advised, but aspirin should be avoided due to its complications, especially in children with viral infections.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Watch for warning signs like:

• High fever that doesn't respond to medication
• Severe pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Rash that becomes infected
• Signs of dehydration

How To Prevent Chicken Pox?

Chickenpox might seem inevitable, but modern medicine gives us powerful tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Here are some methods to prevent it:

The Varicella Vaccine

• An effective vaccine which provides immunity against chickenpox.
• Typically administered as two separate doses during early childhood.
• First dose at 12-15 months
• Second dose at 4-6 years old

Personal Hygiene

• Handwashing with soap and water should be done more often.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitisers should be used.
• Do not touch your face if your hands are not clean.

Healthy Lifestyle

• Maintain a strong immune system
• Eat healthy diet
• Get enough sleep
• Manage stress levels

Here’s what to read next: How to layer your skincare products? Expert tips

Summing Up

Though chickenpox can be unsettling, it's a typical childhood illness. Most kids recover fully. To ease your worries and ensure proper care, understand the virus, recognise symptoms, and follow recommended treatment. As every case is unique, so consult a doctor for tailored advice.