chickenpox

Chickenpox symptoms

The smallpox on the skin that is typical of varicella is not the first symptom of the disease. Even before that, the following chickenpox symptoms usually appear :

• Light fever
• headache
• fatigue

It takes a day or more for the rash to appear. Within a few hours, the spots turn into small bubbles with clear liquid content . These blisters can be very itchy . The number of smallpox can vary from a few to several hundred.

The rash appears first on the chest and head . Then it can spread to the arms and legs. Sometimes blisters can also appear in the mucous membranes of the mouth, ears and other body openings. After a few days, the blisters dry up and turn into scabs. The crusts fall off, the chickenpox symptoms disappear again.

Causes of Chickenpox

Chickenpox viruses are transmitted from person to person through the air via droplets. It is enough if someone sneezes or coughs . The liquid in the smallpox blisters is particularly contagious. The viruses can also survive for a few days on objects such as doorknobs or water taps .

It takes about 2 weeks from infection with chickenpox to the outbreak of the disease, which is why the spread can hardly be stopped. It is quite common for entire daycare groups or school classes to suffer from chickenpox at the same time.

When is chickenpox most contagious?

The time from the onset of infection to the onset of the disease is called the incubation period. The incubation period for chickenpox is between 10 and 26 days. However, the most common is 14 to 16 days. The risk of contracting chickenpox is greatest in the days immediately before the first rash and for the next 5 days . When all the blisters have dried and crusted over, the patient is no longer contagious.

Chickenpox in children

Chickenpox is the most contagious childhood disease of all. They are usually transmitted in preschool or school age. The vast majority of children get a mild form of varicella and do not need to see a doctor. A consultation on Med-Healths can provide reassurance without exposing other children in the waiting room to the risk of catching chickenpox.

Chickenpox in children often clears up on its own within about 10 days after the first symptoms appear. Be sure to keep the bubbles clean. Your child should also scratch as little as possible – fingernails that have been cut short can help here. Otherwise there is a risk of bacteria penetrating and causing additional bacterial infections. Permanent scars can be the result.

Chickenpox in adults

Teenagers and adults can also get chickenpox if they have never had the disease and are not vaccinated against it. When infected, they are more affected than children . However, chickenpox occurs much less frequently in adulthood . If you think you have varicella, you must act quickly, especially if you are over 18 years old. This is especially important if you have a compromised immune system or are pregnant.

For chickenpox treatment to be effective, it should be started on the first day after the onset of smallpox. After the blisters have healed, you should be on guard for a while. If you get a fever and cough again , it could be a sign of pneumonia.

Chickenpox as a trigger of shingles

Once you’ve had chickenpox, you’re immune to the disease. However, the viruses remain in the body and can lead to shingles (medical: herpes zoster) later in life. It is a painful skin rash . It is less contagious than classic chickenpox, since the risk of infection only comes from the blisters of shingles.

diagnosis of chickenpox

The doctor can usually easily diagnose an infection with chickenpox by the characteristic picture of the pustules on the skin and the associated itching . A blood test can also confirm the diagnosis of varicella, for example if the disease takes an atypical course. This can e.g. This can be the case, for example, in patients with a weakened immune system. Here, either the viruses themselves or the antibodies formed against them are detected.

You can do this yourself for chickenpox

Chickenpox symptoms can be relieved on their own. A cooling balm or a special anti-itching agent can help with severely itchy blisters . Allergy medication can also bring relief. You should read the package leaflet carefully and, if necessary, ask a doctor or pharmacist whether the drug is suitable for you or your child.

If the patient has a fever, they should stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids. If you have a high fever, you can also use antipyretics . Caution: Children and adolescents under the age of 18 should not take any medicines with aspirin without a doctor’s recommendation due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome !

Reye ‘s syndrome is a rare but serious condition . It occurs in children and adolescents whose fever has been treated with acetylsalicylic acid, i.e. with aspirin. Shortly after the apparent recovery, the brain and liver become inflamed. As a result, impaired consciousness, seizures, abdominal pain and vomiting may occur. Reye’s syndrome can lead to death.

Treatment options for chickenpox

Chickenpox usually treats the symptoms caused by the disease. Medication may be prescribed for severe itching . The decision is subject to the judgment of the doctor. People who are infected with chickenpox are not allowed to visit community facilities such as schools, daycare centers or authorities. The Infection Protection Act applies .

Vaccination against chickenpox

Children can be protected against infection with chickenpox with a double vaccination . The Standing Vaccination Commission recommends the first partial vaccination at the age of 11 to 14 months, the second at the age of 15 to 23 months. A combination vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox can also be used. The chickenpox vaccination is well tolerated and side effects are rare.

A vaccination against shingles has also been approved since 2018 . This approval generally applies to people over the age of 60 or to people over the age of 50 who have a weakened immune system.

Here’s how Med-Healths can help with chickenpox

Especially with chickenpox, Med-Healths can be of good service. After all, the disease is very contagious – so staying in a doctor’s waiting room should be avoided if possible. If you want to visit a doctor personally with suspected chickenpox, you must inform the practice in advance by telephone . The practice staff can then take appropriate protective measures.

Video consultation via Med-Healths is faster and easier . You can get individual and comprehensive advice if you suspect you have chickenpox. If your child has chickenpox symptoms, they must be present during the video call.

Are you pregnant and haven’t had chickenpox yet? If you think you’ve been in contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles, you should contact your midwife or doctor.