In recent months, chickenpox has been a common occurrence in health centers among young children. This contagious disease is most frequent among preschool-aged children but can appear at any age. Chickenpox belongs to the herpes virus group and is most common in children between two and eight years of age.
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What is chickenpox, what is the incubation period, how is it transmitted, and how is it treated?
Chickenpox, or varicella, is an acute illness that begins with a high fever, general fatigue, runny nose, and sore throat. Then, after two to three days, a rash appears on the skin, initially as red spots (papules), which then fill with fluid to become vesicles. The next phase involves drying out and scabbing over the vesicles. Afterward, the skin may appear lighter in that area for some time. The rash appears in waves and can be found on both the skin and mucous membranes. It usually resolves within 5 to 7 days, and during this period, the person is most infectious. A person is contagious for 10 to 14 days, which corresponds to the incubation period, i.e., the time between virus entry and symptom onset. A person is considered contagious two days before the rash appears, and until all vesicles have dried out and no new ones are forming. On average, the illness lasts two to three weeks. This contagious disease spreads via droplets, through the air by coughing or sneezing from an infected person or someone who has been in contact with them. It most commonly spreads in group settings. The virus enters through the nose or throat and then spreads throughout the body. Diagnosis is made by a pediatrician, usually based on the appearance of the rash, or by a blood test to determine the stage of the disease.
Treatment
It is very important that the child rests during the first week, gets plenty of fluids, and stays isolated.
Depending on the course of the illness and symptoms, appropriate therapy is given.
Since treatment is symptomatic, during the rash phase, various topical preparations are used to prevent the spread and help scabs form and dry.
Antipyretics are given for high fever, and antihistamines are used to relieve itching.
Due to the itching, children are often very irritable, restless, and have trouble sleeping.
If more serious complications arise, antiviral medications may be included in treatment to stop the virus from multiplying and spreading further.
In addition to all of the above, hygiene is very important.
The child should be bathed regularly, and instead of wiping with a towel, the skin should be patted dry to avoid breaking the vesicles.
Talcum powder can be used to ease the itching.
After recovering from chickenpox, a person develops lifelong immunity and cannot get infected again.
One of the most effective preventive measures against chickenpox is vaccination.