Chicken pox is a disease that is caused by the virus varicella zoster. It is a disease that is highly infectious and can be spread by direct contact or through the air via sneezing or coughing, or when material from lesions on the skin becomes airborne. The introduction of a chicken pox vaccine reduced dramatically the number of chicken pox cases in areas in which the vaccine is available. Because chicken pox is highly infectious, it is important to know the signs of having chicken pox.
Common Signs
The signs of chicken pox that are most common include a rash that is itchy and red. The rash includes small, raised bumps that resemble insect bites. These turn into liquid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually break open and crust over. The rash initially appears on the face and the trunk, but it can spread over the rest of the body. For people who have not had the chicken pox vaccine, the number of blisters can reach between 250 and 500.
Accompanying Signs
Chicken pox can be accompanied by other signs, which include abdominal pain and loss of appetite. There can also be fever, mild headaches and a dry cough. There can also be irritability and a general sense of discomfort or unease.
Complications
Chicken pox can lead to complications that include a bacterial infection of the skin. There can also be bacterial infections of the tissue under the skin, as well as bones, blood and joints. Pneumonia is another complication that can result from chicken pox. Encephalitis, which is an infection of the brain, is also a complication that can result from infection from the varicella zoster virus.
Medical attention should be sought if any signs of complications occur. These signs include a rash that spreads to one or both eyes. Another sign of complications is a rash that gets very warm, tender or red. This is an indication of a secondary skin infection. Other signs include dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, disorientation, loss of muscle coordination, tremors, vomiting, neck stiffness and a high fever.
