Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Although uncomfortable, most people recover within 1-2 weeks. There is a blister-like rash, which first appears on the face and trunk, and then spreads throughout the body. Although not life-threatening, complications can arise.

Chicken Pox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Varicella has an incubation period of 10-21 days. Chickenpox is highly contagious. The infection spreads in a similar way to colds and flu. A diagnosis can normally be reached by observing the signs and symptoms.

The hallmark symptom of chicken pox is a rash. Before the rash appears, there will be a general feeling of being unwell (malaise) fever, which is usually worse in adults than children, aching muscles, loss of appetite, in some cases, a feeling of nausea. After the rash appears, there will be:

• Rash: Severity varies from a few spots to a rash that covers the whole body.
• Spots: The spots develop in clusters and generally appear on the face, limbs, chest, and stomach. They tend to be small, red, and itchy.
• Blisters: Blisters can develop on the top of the spots. These can become very itchy.
• Clouding: Within about 48 hours, the blisters cloud over and start drying out. A crust develops.
• Healing: Within about 10 days, the crusts fall off on their own.
• During the whole cycle, new waves of spots can appear - in such cases, the patient might have different clusters of spots at varying stages of itchiness, dryness, and crustiness.

A few people have more severe symptoms. If the following occur, a doctor should be contacted: the skin around the spots or blisters becomes painful and red there are breathing difficulties. Most healthy individuals make a full recovery, as with a cold or flu, by resting and drinking plenty of fluids.