Chickenpox is a viral infection cause by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes shingles in adults. Although once considered one of the classic diseases of childhood, it is now becoming more rare because of a successful vaccine, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Most cases of chickenpox are mild, but uncomfortable for the child, and complications are possible in severe cases.
Symptoms
The main characteristic of a chickenpox infection is an itchy rash that can cover the entire body. The rash typically develops between 10 days and three weeks after exposure and causes small blisters, first on the scalp and torso, and then the arms, legs and face, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. On average, kids develop between 250 and 500 pox, but in severe cases, they can be covered with more than 1,500. Other symptoms include a mild fever, headaches, stomachaches and loss of appetite. These symptoms typically precede the rash.
How It Is Spread
Chickenpox is highly contagious. It can be easily spread when an infected child coughs or sneezes on your child, or if your child comes into contact with the fluid from the blister of someone with chickenpox, according to MedlinePlus. Unfortunately, children begin being contagious with chickenpox a day or two before they show signs of the infection. Young children who have not yet reached their first birthday are unlikely to develop chickenpox even if exposed as long as their mothers have either had the infection or received the vaccine against it.
Vaccination
In 1995, a vaccine was approved to prevent chickenpox infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children who have not had chickenpox receive the vaccine between the ages of 12 months and 18 months. A second dose of vaccine is then administered with the child is between 4 and 6 years old. Vaccinations can also be given to children who have been exposed to the illness. In these cases, it can lessen the severity of the infection or prevent it entirely, provided it is administered within three days of exposure, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center. The vaccine is not necessary for children who have had the illness because infection confers immunity.
Complications
For most kids who get chickenpox, the biggest frustrations will be the one to two weeks spent scratching and itching, and the boredom that ensues after spending so much time away from school and their friends. For a small number of children, though, complications can develop. In rare cases, children with chickenpox can develop encephalitis, which causes swelling of the brain, according to MedlinePlus. Some kids can also develop bacterial skin infections caused by the frequent itching of the rash. Other possible complications include myocarditis, transient arthritis and pneumonia.
How To Help
Most children do not need to be medically treated for chickenpox. Instead, your goal should be to keep your child comfortable. To help with the itching, try oatmeal baths, topical creams and ointments, such as calamine lotion, or an oral antihistamine to help with the itching. Try to keep your child distracted and occupied to keep his mind off the itching. If your child has certain medical conditions, including asthma and eczema, your pediatrician may recommend using an antiviral drug that can reduce the severity of the infection.
