1. What's VZV?
Varicella-zoster virus--sounds ominous, doesn't it? Use the everyday name of "chicken pox" and it doesn't sound quite as bad. But be prepared; this childhood illness turns households upside down. Symptoms go away without treatment in a week or two, but chicken pox is very contagious. Even doctor's offices don't want to see you unless it's necessary. Kids under 12 are most likely to get chicken pox, but it can strike anyone who's never had the vaccine against it. Cases range from mild to severe and can include flu-like symptoms like fever and sore throat. Although direct contact with the sores leads to the virus, children also spread it through the air via droplets emitted by the nose when coughing and sneezing.
2. See Spot Itch
If you've never seen chicken pox before, don't worry. Excessive scratching, usually around the trunk area, demands an introduction. Notice a rash of angry red spots. If it's early, the spots look like insect bites. The itching drives you mad, because nothing quite quells the urge to itch, even drawing blood. Spots can spread everywhere, including the scalp, mouth and ears. As the chicken pox progresses, many of the bumps become blisters filled with a cloudy fluid. Eventually the blisters bust into open sores. As unappetizing as it sounds, don't worry. Sores crust over and eventually go away. Look for the worst of chicken pox to last for about 2 to 4 days.
3. Stop Chicken Pox in Its Tracks
Childhood illness or not, chicken pox doesn't have to strike. Your doctor's office or county health department has a vaccine. Most pediatrician offices give the chickenpox vaccine between 12 to 15 months of age with a booster shot between 4 and 6 years old. If you've had the chicken pox, you probably have an immunity and don't need the vaccine. A lab test can confirm it. The few people who make it to adulthood without the chicken pox can still get the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses at least 28 days apart. People who get the vaccine can still get the chicken pox, but it's usually a much milder version.
4. Surviving Chicken Pox
The only thing to do during the chicken pox is try to be as comfortable as possible. For some, products like calamine lotion help ease the severity of itching. Other options include oatmeal baths in lukewarm water or wet compresses over itchy areas. Limit scratching as much as possible by keeping fingernails cut short and wearing mittens to bed to prevent scratching during sleep. Things get more challenging when chicken pox travels to the mouthm because it interferes with eating and drinking. Feeding your child anything salty (chips or pretzels, for example) or acidic (like orange juice or lemonade) can be painful with sores in the mouth. Offer the correct dosage of a pain relieving medication like Tylenol if needed. Never give children aspirin.
5. Life is Full of Complications
One of those complications is shingles, also called herpes zoster. Up to 20 percent of people get this closely related skin condition later in life after having the chicken pox vaccine or a mild case of chicken pox. In some people, the chicken pox virus remains inactive in the body until it pops up as shingles. Shingles manifests as itchy or painful rashes that doctors treat with steroids or antiviral medications like acyclovir. Severe cases of chicken pox do occur and are risky for anyone with a weak immune system and can lead to bacterial infections spreading to the lungs, joints or the brain. Kids who scratch too much can also develop a skin infection that needs medical attention.
