Chickenpox

Also Know As Varicella

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a common disease that usually occurs at childhood manifesting as skin lesions accompanied by itchiness. ^[1]

Epidemiology

Most cases are recorded among pediatric patients. Higher incidence of the disease occurs in tropical and semitropical countries. Fortunately, mortality rates have declined over time due to vaccination. There is no known gender predilection. ^[2]

Causes

Chickenpox is brought about by a virus called varicella-zoster which is acquired thru respiratory droplets from an infected individual. ^[2] A person is contagious two to three days prior to the initial appearance of rash until all the skin lesions have crusted. ^[1]

Signs and Symptoms

The most obvious sign is a characteristic rash described as skin lesions with different morphologies which could be macules, vesicles, pustules that later on undergo crusting. Some people especially those who are adolescents and adults may experience symptoms such as nausea and headache before the rashes appear. Low fever and general feeling of being ill are common at the inception of the disease. ^[2] The rashes are often itchy and the patient may also complain of fatigue and loss of appetite. ^[3]

Diagnosis

Important to take note in history taking is a positive exposure to an infected individual. The characteristic rash often depicted as ‘dewdrop on a rose petal’ and that appears along the body in various stages of development is a basis for diagnosis. Some tests are available to work up the condition including Tzanck smear, culture, serological and histological tests. ^[2]

Treatment

Most patients need only rest. Antihistamines and antipyretics may be given for itching and fever respectively. Some patients need to see a doctor including pregnant, babies, teenagers and patients with other medical conditions. Special medications like immunoglobulin and antiviral may be prescribed. ^[1]

The disease often lasts 5 to 10 days. A person should not take aspirin as it can cause a complication known as Reye syndrome. ^[3]

Prevention

Chickenpox is preventable thru vaccines. In rare cases, breakthrough infection happens wherein a previously infected or vaccinated person gets the disease. It is always important to avoid exposure to a person affected with the disease. ^[1]

References:

1.      http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/tc/chickenpox-varicella-topic-overview

2.      http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1131785-overview#a0156

3.      http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/chickenpox.html

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