Most children will catch chicken pox before they are 10 years old. It is a common and usually mild illness caused by a virus called Varicella zoster.

Chicken Pox Overview

Chicken pox is a highly infectious but usually mild, disease caused by the herpes group of viruses. The virus is spread either by direct contact with the rash or by droplets expelled into the air by coughing or sneezing.

Who Gets Chicken Pox

Chicken pox tends to affect children under ten. Most children have had the infection by this age. In older children and adults, chicken pox can be more severe.

Chicken pox occurs worldwide and is seen throughout the year in areas with temperate climate, peaking during the months of March through May. 90% of cases are seen in children aged 14 years and younger.

Chicken Pox Symptoms

Chicken pox is characterized by a red, itchy rash, which blisters and then crusts over within 2 weeks.  A mild flu-like illness is usually present before the appearance of the rash, and may cause fever, body ache, headache, nausea and loss of appetite.

The rash usually begins on the body and then spreads to the face, arms and legs. The rash shows up as small red spots which develop into fluid filled blisters within a few hours. After a couple of days the blisters form scabs. Chicken pox usually runs it's course in 7-10days.

Chicken pox is contagious from about 3 days before the rash appears and untill all blisters have crusted over. More chicken pox symptoms .

Chicken Pox Diagnosis

A diagnosis of chickenpox is made on the basis of the patient’s history, the appearance of the rash and physical findings.

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Chicken Pox Complications

Complications from chicken pox are rare in children. The most common complication is bacterial infection which can cause the spots to become more red and inflamed. Complication in adults and those with weakened immune system are more common and include pneumonia and liver inflammation.

Chicken Pox Treatment

No specific medical treatment is usually required for chicken pox. Painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol) can help to reduce pain and fever. Calamine lotion is also commonly used for local application to reduce itching. Over the counter treatments like antihistamines may be used for the relief of severe itching. Some of these cause drowsiness and may help the patient sleep at night.  Frequent baths may also help ease itching. Finely ground oatmeal or baking soda may be added to the bath water to soothe the skin. Avoid tepid sponging.

It's important not to scratch the scabs as this increases the risk of secondary bacterial infection. Mittens/socks or socks can be worn at night to prevent scratching during sleep.

VERY IMPORTANT: Do not use aspirin.

Antiviral drugs may occasionally be prescribed for people who have a high risk of complications from chicken pox. These reduce the duration of the infection and minimize the risk of complications. (See detailed treatment section)

If your child has chicken pox they should stay away from school until the last blister has crusted over. He or she should also avoid contact with others who might be at a high risk of infection, such as newborn babies and people with a weak immune system.

Chicken Pox Prevention

Keep your child away from school or nursery. Inform the child’s school of his health condition and let him or her return to school only once the blisters have fully crusted over.

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