CHICKENPOX

What is it?

Chickenpox is a virus infection caused by a virus called varicella zoster the same one that causes shingles.

Who gets it?

Most people catch chickenpox at some time in their lives. On the whole, the younger you are when you get it the milder the symptoms will be. There is no vaccination against it available yet and some mothers feel it is best for their children to get it while they are still young. There are lots of stories about chickenpox parties where mothers take their children especially to be in contact with other children who have chickenpox in the hope that their children will catch it and get it over with.

How do I catch it?

You can catch chickenpox from anyone who has the disease. It is infectious to other people from four days before you get a rash until the last spots have scabbed over. You will probably catch it or pass it on by droplets spread in the air. You can also catch chickenpox by coming into contact with someone who has shingles although you cannot catch shingles from someone with chickenpox.

What are the symptoms?

You may feel tired and feverish for a couple of days before you develop spots. These spots start off red and develop into small blisters which may appear in groups or crops anywhere on your body. They are very itchy and they may get red and inflamed due to a bacterial infection if you scratch them too much.

Is there any treatment?

Calamine lotion or cream can help soothe the itching and you may want to bathe the spots in antiseptic. For most people there is no other treatment needed. However, if your immune system is not working very well because of another illness you may need to take tablets. If you think this may apply to you, you should speak to your doctor as soon as you suspect you have the condition.

Are there any complications?

The chances are that you will suffer no ill-effects from having a chickenpox infection although once you have had chickenpox you are at risk of developing shingles in later life. Chickenpox infection occasionally causes pneumonia with a high fever and a severe dry cough. Very rarely it also leads to an inflammation of the brain called encephalitis which starts about seven to ten days after you get the rash. Chickenpox can cause problems if you are pregnant. If this is the case, and you have been in contact with someone with chickenpox and think you might be developing it, contact your doctor.

How can I stop it getting worse?

You should try not to scratch the spots even though they are itchy as this can lead to skin infections and scarring. You may find keeping cool can help make the itching less annoying. You should not come into contact with people without letting them know you have chickenpox until the last crop of spots has scabbed over. You should especially avoid pregnant women and people with conditions which affect their ability to fight off infection.