Chicken pox belongs to the herpes family of viruses and is often considered a childhood disease. In fact, before the chicken pox vaccine was released in the 1990s, almost 4 million children a year experienced the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chicken pox is highly contagious and can spread quickly and easily among people who have not already had the disease or been vaccinated for it.
Fever
Chicken pox is usually accompanied by a low grade fever, which is a natural way for the body to begin to fight the disease. In healthy children, the disease typically is allowed to run its course, but acetaminophen can be taken to reduce the fever and the discomfort associated with chicken pox. The fever is usually one of the first symptoms and typically lasts only a short time.
Rash
A characteristic symptom of chicken pox is a rash on the face, chest, back and scalp, although it can spread over the entire body and might even be seen in the mouth, nose, eyes and throat. In the beginning, the spots might look like bug bites, but they eventually will turn into small, fluid-filled blisters. After a few days they will dry up and begin to scab over. The scabs might have a crusty look to them before they begin to flake off.
Itching
The blisters are likely to itch, but scratching should be avoided, since opening the blisters can lead to infection. Antihistamines might be prescribed to reduce the itching and irritation, and using colloidal oatmeal or baking soda in a cool bath also can help.
Lotions made with oatmeal also can be used after a bath to reduce irritation. According to the Mayo Clinic, dabbing calamine lotion directly on the blisters might help to relieve some of the discomfort.
Skin Infection
Scratching open blisters can be problematic because the body's immunities are already busy trying to rid itself of the virus. Bacteria that is allowed to enter the open areas can cause skin infections that can result in scars. Keeping fingernails trimmed and washing hands often might eliminate some of the risk for infection. Boosting the body's immune system with a vitamin and mineral supplement also might help to reduce the incidence of infection. It also allows the body to heal faster from the effects of the virus itself.
Complications
In most cases, chicken pox is mild and manageable, and healthy children usually recover quickly. Pregnant women or people who have compromised immune systems might have quite different experiences. Chicken pox can be life-threatening to a developing fetus. According to the Mayo Clinic, birth defects and low birth weights are possible if the mother contracts chicken pox during pregnancy.
People who have a compromised immune system are more likely to get bacterial skin infections or pneumonia. Contacting a physician and beginning prompt treatment is necessary for people with HIV/AIDS or other immune deficiency disorders.
Acyclovair
Acyclovair, or Valtrex, is prescribed to treat the herpes family of diseases, including chicken pox. Children over the age of 2 might be treated with acyclovair under the strict supervision of a physician. According to Drugs.com, if allergic reactions such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting or yellowing of the skin occur, the medication should be stopped immediately. These signs might indicate that red blood cells are being damaged. All side effects should be monitored closely and reported to the physician.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Chicken Pox
- Merck Manual: Herpes Zoster
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Phyllis Balch, 2006
- Drugs: Valtrex
