There are several methods for treating chickenpox and its associated symptoms. These methods include over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve the itching, a prescription for oral antihistamines for children, and preventative measures such as keeping fingers short and wearing gloves or socks. Antihistamines should never be used directly on the skin, as they can cause an allergic reaction. Keeping the fingernails short helps prevent skin infections caused by scratching blisters. In addition, young children should wear gloves or socks to protect their hands from infection. In most cases, children will heal on their own without treatment.
Varicella-zoster virus
Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and herpes virus. Infection with this virus can lead to painful skin, mouth, and eye lesions. In severe cases, it can cause a serious condition called acute retinal necrosis, leading to the loss of vision. This condition typically occurs following an outbreak of the virus on the face.
The disease can be severe in young children and people with weakened immune systems. Sometimes, it may lead to more severe complications, including pneumonia, brain infections, and kidney disease. Vaccination for this disease can provide lifetime immunity. However, before the vaccine’s introduction, about ten thousand people in the United States were hospitalized due to the disease. Some of these individuals died.
Treatment
Treatment for chicken pox varies depending on the severity of the infection. It’s best to visit a doctor for a thorough diagnosis. If the symptoms persist for more than a few days, you may need hospitalization. In the meantime, you can take some self-care measures to relieve the symptoms. You may want to take a cool bath with baking soda or aluminum acetate, apply colloidal oatmeal, or apply calamine lotion. You can also apply diphenhydramine or acetaminophen to treat the itching. In addition, you may want to consider taking a prescription antiviral to counteract the fever.
Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and can help treat chicken pox. Applying honey to the affected area can reduce irritation and itching and the risk of scarring. However, honey must be fresh and raw and not processed or heated. You should also apply it to the affected area several times a day.
Reye’s syndrome
Treatment for Reye’s syndrome depends on the severity of the condition. Early treatment increases the chances of full recovery. A doctor will evaluate your child and receive blood tests to measure pressure and pH. They may also prescribe steroids to reduce swelling in the brain. Your child may also be given aspirin to treat fever, but you should only give them as directed by a physician. However, aspirin may increase the risk of contracting other diseases.
Blood tests are the first step to a diagnosis. Doctors will also perform a liver biopsy to identify the disease. They may also perform a head’s magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography (CT) scan. Rarely a spinal tap is also performed to test the cerebrospinal fluid. Depending on the severity of the condition, your child may require hospitalization.
Symptoms
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider if your child has chicken pox, mainly if they are a newborn or have a weakened immune system. Special protective measures are available for newborns and children, but these are only effective when taken soon after exposure. For example, if a child is exposed before 20 weeks, they could develop Congenital Varicella Syndrome. However, after this time, the risk of damage is less.
If your child has a high fever and sore mouth, you can give them a paracetamol tablet. However, it would help if you did not use aspirin because it can increase the risk of complications. Calamine lotion can also be applied to the affected areas to reduce itchiness. The doctor may also prescribe an antiviral drug, especially for people with weakened immune systems, infants, and pregnant women.
Prevention
Preventing chickenpox is essential for a child’s health and the health of the community. Vaccination helps prevent the disease and minimizes contagiousness. It also reduces the severity of the symptoms. Vaccinated people experience mild to moderate symptoms and develop fewer than 50 lesions. However, about 25% to 30% of vaccine recipients still develop symptoms. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended to protect against chickenpox.
In addition to prevention, several treatments can help a child with chickenpox. First-line treatments include over-the-counter antihistamines and prescription antiviral medicines. Antihistamines are effective for controlling itching and reducing fever. Some antihistamines are even available without side effects such as drowsiness. In addition, women who have had chickenpox before should seek medical attention if they suspect they are pregnant.