Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the herpes virus. Chickenpox is the most contagious of all childhood diseases. After all, you can pick it up at any contact with the patient, as well as through common objects or toys (in very rare cases).
Most infected people are children between two and seven years old. Of course, there are cases of diseases in infants and adults. And if the disease in children, as a rule, passes without a trace, then chickenpox in adults is quite difficult and often has serious complications. The period from infection to the onset of the first symptom usually lasts up to three weeks. In addition, chickenpox is a seasonal disease that progresses in the winter-spring period.
The first symptoms of the disease are fever (up to 40 C), headache, malaise, general weakness, and sometimes diarrhea. On the third day after this, a rash appears on the body. First, red spots appear in the neck, face, head and limbs, which then turn into nodules, and then into papules (vesicles) filled with liquid. Subsequently, the bubbles become dry and subsequently exfoliate. These stages of the papule usually go away within 48 hours. The number of bubbles in each case is individual. In some cases, it is quite possible that there are only a few acne, and in others, the sick person will be strewn with them completely.
After exfoliating the papules in their place, the skin color can be changed, and even a small scar can remain, which should completely disappear with time. In some cases, vesicles can also appear on the mucous membranes: in the mouth, on the eyes and in the genital area.
One of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease is itching - papules are very itchy, especially at elevated temperatures and at night. Scratching them can lead to infection and permanent scarring. In patients with reduced immunity in extreme cases, chickenpox can lead to serious complications (for example, chickenpox encephalitis) and even death.
Papules form throughout the entire period of the disease. Fortunately, chickenpox outside the human body dies quickly, so in case of illness, 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 things and for the most part do not lead to tragic consequences (unlike rubella that occurred during the gestation of the baby, which is an indication for termination of pregnancy). Although in general, chickenpox in a woman expecting a baby is extremely undesirable, and in some cases even dangerous. If the expectant mother has chickenpox, the risk to the fetus depends on the duration of the pregnancy. Up to 20 weeks, the virus can cause damage to the eyes, limbs, brain, bladder or intestines in a child (however, such malformations occur in no more than 2% of cases). Until the 36th week, the virus is not harmful to the fetus. Sometimes, however, it can remain hidden in his body and become active after several years of life in the form of shingles. After 36 weeks of gestation, the fetus may develop full-blown chickenpox, and a newborn can develop a serious illness.
Treatment of chickenpox in the absence of complications is symptomatic and consists in reducing the temperature and relieving itching. As a rule, the disease is easier to carry in bed, especially with extreme heat and weakness. To remove itching, various ointments or creams are used. In addition, the patient's skin must be regularly disinfected. For this purpose, diamond green or a solution of potassium permanganate is used, although some doctors say that almost nothing depends on such procedures, so you can not smear the skin with anything. In addition, it is important to frequently change the patient’s clothes and bed. For people with weakened immune systems, antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, or antibiotics are indicated.
Prevention of the disease is to avoid communication with patients. Also an effective way of protection is a vaccine. The vaccine is administered twice - once after 9 months of age and at 12 years of age. Then two doses are given after 13 years. True, the vaccine in our country against chickenpox is not mandatory, so those who want to do it will have to put a round sum out of their pocket.