What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It typically affects children, but adults who have not had chickenpox before can also become infected. The illness is characterized by an itchy rash and red spots or blisters (vesicles) all over the body. Although generally mild in children, it can sometimes lead to complications, particularly in adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Chickenpox
Chickenpox symptoms usually appear between 10 and 21 days after exposure to the virus. The main symptoms include:
- Itchy rash: Starts as red spots, which turn into fluid-filled blisters and eventually crust over.
- Fever: Usually mild to moderate, but can go as high as 38°C (100.4°F) or more.
- Tiredness and malaise: General feelings of being unwell.
- Loss of appetite: Decreased interest in food.
- Headache: Sometimes mild, other times more intense.
The rash often begins on the chest, back, and face, spreading to the rest of the body, including inside the mouth, on the scalp, and even the genital area.
How Chickenpox Spreads
Chickenpox spreads easily through:
- Direct contact with the rash or blisters.
- Coughing or sneezing, which releases virus particles into the air.
- Touching contaminated objects, such as clothing or bedding.
Individuals with chickenpox are contagious from 1-2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters have formed scabs. This usually takes around 5-7 days after the rash first develops.
Who is at Risk?
Children under the age of 12 are the most common age group to contract chickenpox.
Adults who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine.
Pregnant women, particularly if they have not had chickenpox before.
Individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV).
Newborns, especially if their mother has never had chickenpox.
Complications
In most cases, chickenpox resolves without serious complications. However, some individuals may experience:
- Bacterial infections of the skin from scratching blisters.
- Pneumonia: More common in adults.
- Encephalitis: A rare but serious inflammation of the brain.
- Reye’s syndrome: A rare complication, especially if aspirin is used in children.
- Shingles (herpes zoster): Later in life, the varicella-zoster virus can reactivate, causing a painful rash called shingles.
Pregnant women who contract chickenpox are at risk of passing it to their unborn baby, leading to complications such as congenital varicella syndrome or, in late pregnancy, severe neonatal infection.
Diagnosis
Chickenpox is usually diagnosed based on its characteristic rash. In some cases, a GP may confirm the diagnosis by testing fluid from the blisters or doing a blood test for varicella antibodies.
Treatment
For most healthy individuals, chickenpox is mild and can be managed at home. The following treatments can help ease symptoms:
- Antihistamines: To reduce itching (e.g., chlorphenamine).
- Paracetamol: To reduce fever and pain (avoid aspirin in children).
- Calamine lotion or cooling gels: To soothe the itching.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Avoid scratching: Keeping nails trimmed and wearing mittens for young children can help prevent skin infections.
In more severe cases, a GP may prescribe antiviral medications like acyclovir, especially for those at risk of complications, such as adults, pregnant women, or immunocompromised patients. Immunoglobulin treatment may also be recommended in specific high-risk groups.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact your GP if:
- You or your child has breathing difficulties, persistent cough, or chest pain.
- The skin around the spots becomes red, swollen, or painful, indicating a possible infection.
- You have a high fever (above 39°C/102°F) or fever lasting longer than 4 days.
- A child becomes drowsy, confused, or has seizures.
- You are pregnant and have never had chickenpox or the vaccine.
- You or your child have a weakened immune system or are undergoing treatment like chemotherapy.
