Chickenpox

Although anyone can get chickenpox, sometimes spelled "chicken pox," it's most common in children under the age of 15. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus, a member of the herpes virus family.

Varicella zoster is highly contagious. Those who've never been infected can get chickenpox simply by touching someone else with the disease or by breathing the air after an infected person sneezes, coughs or exhales. The incubation period for chickenpox is approximately 10 days to 21 days after exposure.

Preventing Chickenpox: Chickenpox Vaccine
A chickenpox vaccine became available in 1995. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the immunization for any child over one year old who hasn't already had chickenpox. Healthy children who have already had chickenpox don't need the vaccine. Usually, they have lifelong protection against the illness.

Chickenpox: The Itchy Rash and Other Symptoms

Chickenpox begins with a rash that appears as small red bumps. This rash typically first develops on the abdomen or back and face and then spreads over the body. Chickenpox blisters can appear almost anywhere, including the:
  • ears
  • genitals
  • mouth
  • nose
  • scalp.

You'll also notice that your child is tired and slightly feverish. Some children develop abdominal pain or feel somewhat ill one to two days before the rash appears.

The itchy, red bumps associated with chickenpox will change over the course of the disease:

  • First, the bumps will emerge as what are sometimes referred to as "dewdrops on a rose petal." The bumps are thin-walled water blisters resting on a pink base.
  • Next, the blisters turn into cloudy sores that break open.
  • Finally, after about four days, the blisters turn into dry, brown crusts.
Pregnant Women and Chickenpox
Pregnant women who have never had chickenpox should be nowhere near someone with the virus. If the pregnant woman contracts the virus, especially before 20 weeks, the fetus is at risk of developing birth defects. If the mother develops chickenpox around the time of delivery, the baby's life is at risk.

Even pregnant women who have already had chickenpox should stay away from people with the disease.

Treating Chickenpox

Chickenpox usually lasts about seven to 10 days in children. Most chickenpox infections don't require special medical treatment, but anything that you can do to relieve the itching will be helpful to your child. Here are some suggestions:
  • Give your child acetaminophen to help reduce the fever. However, don't give aspirin to anyone under the age of 20, as children and young adults can develop Reye's syndrome, a brain disease characterized by fever, nausea and possible coma.
  • Give your child a cool bath every three to four hours. Add four tablespoons of baking soda or some oatmeal to the bath water for additional soothing.
  • Keep your child's nails short.
  • Provide foods that are cold, soft and bland.
  • Put calamine lotion on itchy spots.
  • Use cool compresses.

As much as possible, keep your child away from other children to keep the varicella zoster virus from spreading. If your child goes to daycare, keep him home until all the chickenpox sores have crusted.

Call your child's doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • an area of rash that either oozes pus or that becomes red, warm, swollen or sore
  • a severe headache
  • confusion
  • difficulty walking
  • extreme tiredness or trouble waking up
  • fever that lasts more than four days or that exceeds 102˚ F
  • sensitivity to bright lights
  • severe cough or trouble breathing
  • stiff neck
  • vomiting.

Resources

Hirsch, Larissa (2006). Chickenpox. Retrieved Sept. 6, 2007, from the Kids Health Web site: http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/chicken_
pox.html.
 
Mayo Clinic Staff (2007). Chickenpox. Retrieved Sept. 6, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053.