Chickenpox

Majority of us have experienced having chickenpox, which usually occurs during childhood. We'll never forget those unsightly, blister-like spots that itch like hell, which spread all over our bodies. Unless you had been vaccinated when you were still young, there is no stopping chickenpox from infecting your body at some point in your life.

A person usually has only one episode of chickenpox during his lifetime and usually occurs from 3 to 12 years old. There are times however that one can get another episode of skin eruptions called shingles. Children can protect themselves from the disease by getting an injection against the varicella-zoster virus.

Symptoms

The most obvious sign of chickenpox is the set of rashes that appear all over the body. The rashes usually appear on the face, back and abdomen. It can spread to hard-to-reach and hidden areas like the scalp, nose, mouth and genitals.

Aside from the rashes, chickenpox comes with fever, headache, sore throat and abdominal pain. The effects of the disease are more severe for children with skin disorders.

Contagiousness

The disease is infectious starting from 2 days before the rashes start to appear, and will continue until all the blisters are dry and crusted. Children with chickenpox should stay away from school for about a week or more, depending on how long the rashes are drying out. Persons infected with chickenpox should be kept away from other members of the household, since the disease is very infectious.

Chickenpox on pregnant women

If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox, she is at risk of getting health complications and the fetus is at risk of developing birth defects. Pregnant women and other individuals who may develop serious complications because of chickenpox may be administered with varicella zoster immune globulin after exposure to the disease to reduce the effects.

Dealing with the discomfort

The most difficult thing about having chickenpox is the discomfort caused by the rashes. To relieve your skin of some of the itchiness, use cool compress or cool baths to freshen up. Calamine lotion will help relieve itchiness, just don't use it on the face. Also, avoid eating foods that are too salty or too acidic.