What is chickenpox (chickenpox)? Chickenpox in children: symptoms and treatment, photos, what to apply

? ?According to statistics, more than 800 thousand people under the age of 12 suffer from this infectious disease in Russia every year. Chicken pox, which seems harmless at first glance in children, can cause serious complications, life-threatening. If the disease occurs, antiviral treatment is not required; you just need to apply various kinds of therapeutic measures aimed at alleviating the condition. The development of lifelong immunity reduces the incidence of disease among adults.

What is chicken pox

This is a highly contagious (contagious) infectious disease that occurs primarily among children under 12 years of age. The causative agent of chickenpox is the Varicella-herpes zoster virus, which is capable of quickly moving through the air for many hundreds of meters, but is not able to survive without the human body and dies after 10 minutes under the influence of environmental factors (high or low temperature, ultra-violet rays).

The varicella zoster virus is volatile and is transmitted predominantly by airborne droplets. People who have not previously had this disease and have not been vaccinated are 100% likely to become infected. After an illness, a person is left with lifelong immunity, but an inactive form of the virus is present in the spinal ganglia and cranial nerves. If in the course of life a person’s immune system weakens greatly (oncology, stress, blood diseases), latent form Varicella-Zoster begins to activate, and herpes zoster (shingles) develops.

You can only get chickenpox from a sick person, and the virus penetrates through the mucous membranes oral cavity or respiratory tract. A patient infected with the virus is dangerous within 2 days before the appearance of a skin rash and the next 5 days after the last rash. Transmission of infection through the placenta from a sick mother to the fetus is possible. Group increased risk- children in groups (kindergartens, schools).

Stages and course of chickenpox in children

Chickenpox in children manifests itself in several stages, which are accompanied by characteristic symptoms. The main stages of the disease:

The incubation period of chickenpox (1-3 weeks) - during this time the virus multiplies in the nervous system of an infected person without external clinical manifestations.
Prodromal period (1 day) - in young children the clinical picture may be absent, in adults minor manifestations similar to the common cold appear. Main symptoms:

increase in body temperature to 37.5°C;
headache;
weakness, malaise;
loss of appetite, nausea;
short-term red spots on the body;
sore throat sensation.

The period of rash begins with a sharp rise in body temperature to 39-39.5°C. The higher the hyperthermia, the more severe the disease with profuse rashes. In a mild form, the disease is accompanied only by the appearance of a rash on some parts of the body.

Forms of chickenpox

Chickenpox in children can be typical or atypical, depending on the nature clinical picture . A typical one can occur in several ways:

Mild (satisfactory condition, temperature is normal or does not rise above 38 degrees, the period of rash lasts 4 days, skin manifestations are minor).
Moderate (intoxication of the body begins in the form of headache, weakness, drowsiness; hyperthermia above 38 degrees, profuse rash, ending after 5 days).
Severe (severe intoxication, manifested by nausea, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, body temperature up to 40 degrees; the period of rash is 9 days, the rash spreads throughout the body, to the mucous membranes, merging of lesions with each other is observed).

Atypical forms of chickenpox include rudimentary and aggravated. Rudimentary occurs easily with isolated rashes, normal or subfebrile body temperature. The aggravated one is characterized by a pronounced clinical picture. This form includes the following types course of the disease, treatment of which is carried out in a hospital setting:

Hemorrhagic - manifests itself high temperature, severe intoxication, damage to internal organs, blood appears in rashes in the form of bubbles. Subsequently, hemorrhages occur under the skin and tissue, in the mucous membranes and internal organs.
Visceral - affects premature newborns and children with various immunodeficiencies. Intoxicating long-term syndrome, profuse rash, critical hyperthermia with damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, lungs, liver, heart.
Gangrenous - diagnosed very rarely (more often in people with HIV infection). It is characterized by severe intoxication, huge blisters on which a crust and a zone of tissue necrosis quickly forms. After it falls off, deep and slowly healing ulcers remain on the skin.

Chicken pox in infants

Chickenpox in infants is rare. Infection occurs if maternal antibodies to the herpes virus do not enter the child’s body during the intrauterine development of the fetus. This occurs when the mother did not have this disease before pregnancy. The course of infection in infants:

high temperature up to 40°C;
severe intoxication;
anxiety, weakness of the child;
poor appetite;
profuse rashes with slow healing;
prolonged manifestation of the disease (10-14 days).

Features of the rash with chickenpox in children

There are several successive stages in the development of skin rashes in children. They appear on different days of the disease. The main stages of rash formation:

Pimples (the first signs of chickenpox), which look like mosquito bites.
Specks that become filled clear liquid blisters with red skin around the edge. Gradually they become cloudy and burst.
Drying of the bubbles is accompanied by the formation of a crust that cannot be removed.
There are situations when the symptoms of chickenpox in children appear simultaneously in the form of spots, blisters, and crusts without a specific sequence.

Complications of chickenpox in children

Chickenpox in most cases goes away without complications, but there are exceptions. Children with different types of immunodeficiencies are exposed to more severe disease. The main undesirable consequences of the disease include:

Secondary infection occurs when the skin is damaged by staphylococcus and streptococcus with the development of purulent dermatitis, amenable only to antibiotics.
Suppression immune function. When the virus suppresses the body's defenses, diseases develop: otitis media, gingivitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, stomatitis, arthritis, nephritis, myocarditis.
Hemorrhagic form of chickenpox. High probability of death due to the increased risk of bleeding under the skin, into the mucous membranes, nasal and pulmonary hemorrhages.
Gangrenous chicken pox. Papules become large flabby blisters with elements of necrosis. As a result, huge ulcers develop with the risk of sepsis.
Chickenpox encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, which is manifested by high fever and unbearable headaches.
Scars and scars remain on the skin after severe scratching of wounds or secondary infection of the skin with the development of a purulent process.

Treatment of chickenpox in children

More often, chickenpox goes away on its own within 1 – 1.5 weeks. It is most easily tolerated by children from 1 to 7 years old. Treatment of chickenpox in children is best done at home; you need to drink more fluids and eat right (exclude fatty, salty, spicy foods). The patient's room should be cool to prevent profuse sweating, which will cause severe skin itching and irritation.

During illness, regular change of bed and underwear is recommended. It is better to choose clothes made from natural fabrics to avoid unnecessary injury to the skin. To prevent the development of a secondary infection, you need to regularly bathe the child in boiled water, take cool baths with an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate or chamomile decoction. You cannot use various types of detergents (gels, soaps, shampoos) or rub the skin with a washcloth. After water procedures, areas of the body should be blotted with a soft towel and the wounds should be treated with an antiseptic.

Rash treatment

To prevent infection, chickenpox rashes should be treated with antiseptics.. The main disinfectants include:

1% alcohol solution brilliant green (zelenka);
Castellani liquid;
aqueous solution of fucorcin;
chamomile decoction and furatsilin solution (for gargling and mouthwash);
aqueous solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate).

Drug therapy

Chickenpox in children is treated using antiseptics and good hygienic care for the skin. There are cases when combination therapy is needed to reduce the viral load in the body. The main groups of such drugs include:

Antipyretics ( children's Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or Nurofen).
Antiviral creams for topical use, which are approved for children from 2 years of age (Zovirax, Acyclovir, Virolex).
Antibiotics are prescribed when a secondary bacterial infection occurs with the development of purulent and inflammatory process.
Immunomodulators and immunostimulants to maintain the immune system (Anaferon, Interferon, Viferon).
Antihistamines to remove severe itching skin (Claritin, Cetrin, Erius, Zyrtec, Terfen).

Prevention of chickenpox

The main preventive measures are aimed at preventing the introduction of the virus and the spread of the disease in children's groups. Main events:

Isolation of children with chickenpox until the 5th day after the last skin rash.
Nursery groups of kindergartens are closed for quarantine for up to 20 days from the moment a sick child is identified.
Children with immunodeficiency are exposed to passive immunoprophylaxis(single injection of immunoglobulin) in the first 3 days after contact with a sick person.

If a pregnant woman is infected with chickenpox, she is given a specific immunoglobulin to prevent intrauterine infection of the fetus. There is a vaccine against chickenpox, which is indicated for weakened children with chronic diseases. Several drugs have been developed for vaccinations:

Okawax (Japan);
Varilrix (Belgium).

Video

Chickenpox is considered one of the most common infectious diseases - it is a disease that in most cases occurs in childhood; adults are less likely to suffer from this disease. This disease is difficult to confuse with another because it has characteristic features in the form of watery rashes all over the body that cause itching. With proper and timely treatment, the disease goes away very quickly, but scratching the acne may leave unsightly small scars on the body. As a rule, people suffer from the disease once in a lifetime, after which the body produces cells that are able to fight the chickenpox virus. Relapses are possible in exceptional cases when the disease was mild for the first time.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox (varicella) is an infectious disease that develops acutely and is characterized by the appearance of a number of specific symptoms. The disease is very contagious, therefore, when the first symptoms appear, a quarantine regime for the patient is recommended. The carrier of chickenpox is the Varicella Zoster virus, and the disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, so all people who have been in contact with the patient, have not been vaccinated against the disease and have not had it are at risk.
The disease goes through several stages of development, which are characterized by special symptoms. Chickenpox stages:

Infection and incubation period. At this stage, the virus enters the body, most often through the mucous membrane of the mouth or nose. During the incubation period, the disease does not manifest itself in any way, there are no signs and the person is not contagious.
The first symptoms of chickenpox. The virus develops in cells and the immune system begins to actively fight it, which provokes an increase in temperature and headache. From the onset of the first symptoms, a person becomes infectious to others, so he should be quarantined.
Acute stage of disease development. At this stage, nerve cells and skin are damaged, and the first rashes appear.
The final stage is characterized by an improvement in general health, normalization of temperature and the cessation of the appearance of skin rashes. The person no longer poses a threat to others and he can return to his usual way of life.

There are several forms of chickenpox, typical and atypical, the latter, in turn, is divided into several types:

The rudimentary form develops in those who received an injection of immunoglobulin during the incubation period, as well as in children who have residual immunity. For of this type Chickenpox is characterized by a mild course of the disease, the rash appears in minimal quantities, there is no fever or deterioration in health.
Hemorrhagic. A severe form of the disease that occurs in people with immunodeficiency or those taking hormones. Main characteristic symptoms is a very high temperature, pronounced intoxication of the body, hemorrhage in the skin and nosebleeds are often observed. The main danger of this form is the high probability of death.
Visceral form. Manifests this type in premature infants, newborns, people with immunodeficiency syndrome. The form is characterized by a severe and prolonged course, a prolonged period of fever and profuse skin rashes. Damage to internal organs and the nervous system is often observed.
Gangrenous form. A rare form of chickenpox, which is characterized by high intoxication, a long treatment period and the appearance of rashes large sizes, on which crusts with necrosis form in a short time. After the crusts fall off, ulcers and scars remain. As a rule, this form is characterized by a complication in the form of sepsis, and often the disease ends in death.

Causes of chickenpox development

The main cause of chickenpox is infection with a virus. In medicine at the moment there is no clear answer why some people become infected with chickenpox and others do not, but a significant factor in infection is weakened immunity.
The reasons contributing to the development of the disease include:

Weakened immunity, which can be caused by various factors: chemotherapy, the presence of immunodeficiency, children's weakened body, taking medications a certain group, for example, antibiotics.
Close contact with a person who is a carrier of the chickenpox virus and is sick with this disease.
Lack of chickenpox vaccination.

Signs of chickenpox

The first symptoms of chickenpox may appear 10-20 days after contact with a patient and are expressed by the following signs:

A significant increase in body temperature up to forty degrees, the appearance of fever.
Increase lymph nodes.
The appearance of a headache.
Lack of appetite, general weakness of the body.
Chickenpox rash is a specific sign of the disease. By its nature it is great amount single blisters filled with liquid, which are very itchy and cause a lot of discomfort. Initially, blisters appear on the mucous membranes, stomach and face, after which they spread throughout the body. The appearance of new blisters and the persistence of a high temperature can last for several days, after which all symptoms subside and only an itchy rash remains, which also goes away with time. It is important to remember that it is strictly forbidden to scratch the blisters, otherwise scars may remain.

In adults, the disease is much more complex and severe: very high fever that persists for a long time; profuse rashes, localized on the mucous membranes. Often patients with this diagnosis are hospitalized and treated under the supervision of doctors.

Diagnosis of chickenpox

Diagnosing the disease is very simple based on specific signs (the appearance of a rash and fever), which can be done independently at home. To obtain advice and confirm the diagnosis, you must seek help from a pediatrician or therapist (you should not go to the hospital to prevent the spread of the disease, but call a doctor at home).

Chickenpox treatment

You can treat chickenpox at home on your own if there are no complications. After examining the patient, the doctor prescribes a number of medications and gives recommendations that will help alleviate the patient’s condition. The main thing is to correctly follow all the doctor’s recommendations and not scratch the skin to avoid infection or the formation of unsightly scars.
How to treat chickenpox at home:

In the absence of timely treatment, complications may develop that will cause significant harm to health. They are much less common in children, since they are all vaccinated against chickenpox and their body copes with the disease faster. In older people, the development of complications is very common, and men suffer the disease much more severely than women.
Chickenpox is especially dangerous during pregnancy, since infection in the first trimester can provoke infection of the fetus and lead to pathological changes in the fetus. Being in interesting position, girls should limit contact with people with chickenpox, even if they themselves have already had it or have been vaccinated.

Frequently asked questions about chickenpox

Is it possible to get chickenpox a second time?
Recurrence of chickenpox is extremely rare, because, as a rule, after an illness, immunity to the chickenpox virus is developed. Most often, people who have a significantly weakened immune system (in particular, HIV-infected people, those with leukemia after chemotherapy, and those with donor organs) get sick for the second time.
What to apply to chickenpox?
To quickly heal blisters, doctors recommend using a 1% alcohol solution of brilliant green or a 5% solution of potassium permanganate. Lubricating the rash will prevent the development of infection and speed up the drying of the crust. Rubbing the skin with glycerol or water with vinegar or alcohol will help reduce itching.
What is the incubation period for chickenpox?
It may take 10-21 days from the moment of contact with a sick person until the first signs appear.
How to treat chickenpox in adults?
Treatment of chickenpox in adults includes basic therapy, as in children ( antihistamines, antivirals, drugs to reduce fever). For older people, more are used strong drugs, including aspirin can be used to lower the temperature, medications to combat the strong virus.

Disease prevention

The main method of prevention is the chickenpox vaccine. Children and adolescents receive vaccinations during which they are given a live viral infection, which helps develop immunity from the disease or reduces the severity of the disease. Often a combined vaccination is carried out, which includes vaccination against measles, rubella and chickenpox.
In special cases, vaccination with immunoglobulin is carried out to increase the immune response to the chickenpox virus. This drug is administered into the body no later than 36 hours after contact with a patient with chickenpox. As a rule, this type of vaccination is indicated in the following cases:

During pregnancy, women who have not had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated against this disease.
Premature babies.
Newborn babies whose mothers have obvious signs of chickenpox.
Adults and children who have a weakened immune system and do not produce antibodies to the chickenpox virus.

Chickenpox (also known as chickenpox) is a highly contagious infectious disease that primarily affects children. Chickenpox, the symptoms of which are characterized primarily by the appearance blistering rash, meanwhile, can also be diagnosed in adults, especially if the appropriate vaccinations have not been made.

general description

The causative agent of the disease is a virus belonging to the herpesvirus family (Varicella Zoster or otherwise - herpes zoster). This virus, when exposed to environmental conditions, dies quite quickly (literally within ten minutes). Taking into account this peculiarity of it, it can be said that the possibility of infection with chickenpox through those objects that were used by a sick person is excluded, as is the possibility of infection through third parties. Accordingly, heat, UV irradiation, sunlight and other types of exposure factors become detrimental to the virus.

For healthy children, chickenpox in most cases is not a serious disease. This, however, cannot be said about this disease in adults, pregnant women and newborn infants, in adolescents and in those individuals for whom immunodeficiency of one or another specific nature is relevant (in some cases this is possible after organ transplantation and with current HIV infection, much more often - with reduced immunity, against the background of acclimatization or after serious stress). What is noteworthy is that with immunodeficiency, situations even with repeated infection with chickenpox are possible.

The chickenpox rash heals without leaving a trace, because the skin lesions of the rash spread without affecting the epidermal layer. Meanwhile, scratching the rash (damage to the germ layer) can cause the formation of an atrophic scar (scars).

A person with chickenpox acts as a source of infection; he, in turn, is an epidemiological danger from the end of the incubation period until the moment in the course of the disease, during which the crusts begin to fall off. The pathogen spreads by airborne droplets; children from six months to seven years are most susceptible to the disease. And although chickenpox, as we have already noted, also occurs in adults, the incidence among them is not so frequent, which is mainly explained by the fact that they usually suffer from this disease in childhood.

Regarding susceptibility to chickenpox, an absolute figure is indicated, that is, 100%. Patients with this disease become contagious within 24 hours before the rash appears, after which they remain so for a period of five days after the last element of the rash characteristic of this disease is registered on the skin. Isolation of the virus in environment occurs through the contents of blisters that appear on the mucous membranes and skin of a sick person. Already the flow of air ensures the spread of infection over significant distances with subsequent infection, which is possible even as a result of minor fleeting contact with it.

The greatest activity in epidemiological terms is observed during the autumn/winter period; the increase in incidence also increases within the period every 4-6 years. Most often, children aged 5-9 years get sick; newborns at 2-3 months of life rarely get sick, which is due to the presence of maternal antibodies.

Features of the course of the disease

The mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract acts as an entry point for infection. The course of chickenpox can be divided into several main stages.

Infection, incubation period. The virus enters the body with its parallel fixation within the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract while simultaneously accumulating here and multiplying. Chickenpox, whose incubation period (there are no symptoms at this stage) lasts about two weeks, is also characterized by the non-infectivity of the sick person.
The first symptoms of chickenpox. There is a gradual penetration of the chickenpox virus into the blood, after which, when a sufficient amount of it is reached in it, a reaction is formed from the immune system of the body itself to the foreign invasion. This period may be accompanied by fever, headache and weakness, as well as pain in the lumbar region. As for the main symptom of the disease, which manifests itself, as we have already identified initially, in the form of a rash, it is too early to talk about it within the period under review. The duration of the first symptoms of chickenpox is about 1-2 days, and it is from this time, that is, after the end of the incubation period and from the moment of transition to the period of the first symptoms, that the sick person becomes infectious to others.
Acute (primary) stage. The blood flow ensures that the virus reaches its main targets in the form of nerve and skin cells. The nerves are not yet affected, only Varicella Zoster is consolidated in the spinal cord (more precisely, its roots). As for the skin, here the symptoms are already making themselves felt, that is, a characteristic rash appears, which occurs periodically, over the next few days (up to a week). In this case, the rash acts as a manifestation of the body’s reaction to the activity that the chickenpox virus carries out in it when it is concentrated within the skin. Much less often, the rash with chickenpox at this stage manifests itself in a subtle or unnoticeable manner, due to which diagnosing the disease is greatly complicated. Here, similar to the previous stage, the patient is still infectious to others.
Recovery stage. In the normal state of the immune system of a patient with chickenpox, the rashes characteristic of it disappear after about 3-7 days. Overall well-being improves noticeably, the previous one ends, acute stage. Accordingly, with its completion, a period begins in which the patient becomes non-infectious to others, although the virus, due to its attachment in the nerve cells, remains in them forever.
Acute (secondary) stage. This stage is relevant in a situation where the patient’s immunity is weakened, as well as in situations in which the nervous system is stimulated (which is also possible against the background of frequent stress) - here the chickenpox virus manifests itself again. The places where the rashes will be concentrated this time depend on the nerve that is most affected. In most cases this includes the stomach, axillary region, due to which, by the way, the disease is already defined as “herpes zoster” (or a synonym - herpes zoster). It is noteworthy that for this stage the occurrence of a rash is not necessary, due to which the symptoms are limited only to the appearance pain along the course of the affected nerve (this course is especially common in elderly patients). During the period of manifestation of skin rashes, the patient, similar to chickenpox, is contagious to the environment.

Chickenpox: classification

In accordance with the characteristics of the course, the following classification of the disease is accepted and, accordingly, applicable:

According to the mechanism of occurrence, chickenpox can be:

congenital;
acquired.

According to the form:

typical shape;
atypical form:

rudimentary atypical form;
gangrenous form;
hemorrhagic form;
visceral form.

In accordance with the degree of severity characterizing the course of chickenpox:

mild degree heaviness;
medium-heavy;
heavy.

In accordance with the characteristics inherent in the course of the disease:

smooth course (no complications);
course with complications;
course in combination with a mixed infection.

Chickenpox: symptoms

Acquired chickenpox occurs in accordance with the following terms for each relevant period:

incubation period - duration within 11-21 days (mainly, as we have already noted, the incubation period for chickenpox is two weeks, respectively, 14 days);
prodromal period – within a day;
the period of the height of the disease (appearance of a rash) – from 3-4 days or longer;
convalescence – within a period of 1-3 weeks.

The prodromal period following the incubation period, which is important to note, does not occur in all patients. Its manifestations, in particular, boil down to elevated temperature (within the subfebrile range of 37-37.5 degrees), as well as the appearance of some malaise and a rash reminiscent of a rash with measles or a rash with scarlet fever (it persists for several hours).

Following the symptoms of the prodromal period or in a state of normal health (in the absence of this period), there is an increase in temperature in the range of 37.5-39 with a gradual deterioration in general health and the appearance of a characteristic rash in the patient. Initially, such a rash resembles a spot, which after a few hours transforms into a papule, and after that into a vesicle. Thus, small bubbles are obtained, the diameter of which is about 0.2-0.5 cm, they are located within the base that has not undergone infiltration, surrounded by a rim in the form of redness, the wall of these bubbles is externally tense. The vesicles have a single-chamber appearance, within the first day they resemble dew drops, but by the second day their contents become cloudy, after another day or two the bubbles dry out and simultaneously transform into a crust, which disappears within 1-3 weeks. After the crusts separate from the skin, either a depigmented spot or pigmentation remains on it. In the vast majority of cases, scars, as the final stage after a rash, do not remain on the skin.

The process of rash is not simultaneous; rather, its frequency can be distinguished over a period of several days. Because of this pattern of rash occurrence, the skin with chickenpox has elements that are at different stages of development (which is defined as false polymorphism). For clear example chickenpox (symptoms) – in the photo below, with a corresponding indication of the skin lesions associated with it.

Chickenpox rash (photo 1)

Chickenpox rash (photo 2)

Regarding the area of concentration, a predominant localization can be identified on the face and torso, in the scalp and on the extremities. There is also a tendency to concentrate predominantly in those places where the skin is most susceptible to irritation, as well as in places with the greatest pressure on it. As a symptom accompanying the rash, one can also note a slight itching and the appearance of the rash itself in the mucous membranes, which implies damage to the genital organs, larynx, conjunctiva, and cornea. The rash blisters quickly soften and ulcerate; after about 5 days, the erosions heal.

Throughout the entire period during which the rash appears, patients experience fever (for several days), intoxication is moderate. The possibility of developing lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) cannot be ruled out.

Now let us dwell on the features of the course of atypical forms of chickenpox.

Vestigial form The disease develops in children who have specific residual immunity, as well as in those patients who received blood products or immunoglobulin during the incubation period. This form is characterized by a generally mild course. The rash manifests itself in the form of a sparse type of maculopapular formations, and these formations do not always transform into vesicles. The course of the disease occurs when the patient’s temperature is normal, as well as when their general condition is satisfactory.

Hemorrhagic form acts as one of the most severe manifestations of chickenpox, which, in addition, is one of the most malignant in nature. The development of this form of the disease occurs in individuals with IDS (immunodeficiency syndrome), as well as in those individuals who received cytostatics and glucocorticoid hormones. It is also possible to manifest a hemorrhagic form chicken rash in newborns. The disease is characterized by the appearance of high temperature and severe intoxication. In addition, multiple organ pathology develops in combination with hemorrhagic syndrome, which manifests itself in the form of hemorrhagic contents in the vesicles (bleeding in them), hemorrhages in the skin and tissue, in the mucous membranes and internal organs. Other bleeding also appears, namely from the nose and gastrointestinal tract, hemoptysis and hematuria (the appearance of blood in the urine). The form of the disease in question is also defined as fulminant purpura, and its main danger is that it can end in death.

Visceral form It is diagnosed primarily in premature children, newborns, as well as in children corresponding to the older age category with IDS (immunodeficiency syndrome) that is relevant for them. The course of this form is characterized by the severity of its manifestations, as well as long-term intoxication in combination with severe fever and profuse rash. The nervous system and internal organs are also affected, namely the kidneys, lungs, liver, pancreas, adrenal glands, endocardium, spleen, digestive tract, etc. Often this form of the disease ends in death.

Gangrenous form is a relevant option, again, for patients with immunodeficiency syndrome, although it is diagnosed extremely rarely. Its main features are the manifestation of severe intoxication and, in general, a long course. Chickenpox in the gangrenous form manifests itself in the form of large blisters, on which a scab (a crust that usually covers wounds from abrasions, burns and similar skin lesions; it is formed from dead tissue, pus and clotted blood) quickly forms with an area of necrosis (death). ). The falling off of the scab is accompanied by the simultaneous exposure of deep ulcers, and they heal at an extremely slow pace. Often the disease in this form occurs with a complication in the form of sepsis with subsequent death.

Chickenpox: symptoms in adults

Chickenpox in adults, as we have already noted, can develop if they did not have to deal with this disease in childhood. In addition, cases in which chickenpox develops against the background of a depressed state of the immune system cannot be excluded, which can be facilitated by a number of factors (organ transplantation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, etc.), the disease manifests itself in these cases again and again. If infection occurs against the background of a less pronounced influence of external factors on the body (exacerbation stage of a chronic disease, stress, etc.), then activation of the virus occurs with manifestations inherent in herpes zoster.

So, let's focus on the symptoms. The disease, which is mostly mild in childhood, manifests itself in adults at least in average shape severity of clinical manifestations. After 20 years severe forms diseases, as well as complicated forms, adults, regardless of involvement in a specific age category, are transferred with the same frequency. Let us repeat that in immunodeficiency states, as well as in the presence of other concomitant diseases in chronic form, chickenpox manifests itself much more severely.

The duration of the incubation period, as in general description according to the disease, is about two weeks. The prodrome stage is accompanied by general infectious symptoms (weakness, aches, low-grade fever, headache). The first signs of chickenpox in adults often appear in the form of symptoms corresponding to cerebral edema, as well as symptoms indicating involvement of the peripheral nervous system in current processes. In particular, this may include sound and photophobia, nausea, vomiting (without relief after it), convulsive twitching noted in the skeletal muscles, weakness, and impaired coordination of movements.

Appearance on the skin pink spots characterizes the beginning of the period of rash, which determines the following symptoms of chickenpox for adults:

A rash that appears on the skin profusely and indicates by the 5th day the relevance of false polymorphism, to which, nevertheless, it corresponds.
Enanthems appear on the mucous membranes (genital organs, mouth, respiratory tract).
Repeated rashes appear in waves, which lasts for 10 days.
At the height of the rash that is relevant to the disease, an increase in body temperature of up to 40 degrees is noted.
The symptoms of intoxication are extremely pronounced.
Complications in adults are determined by the relevance of the pyogenic flora. Pustules are formed from the vesicles, characterized by the duration of weeping. Opening them leads to the exposure of deep ulcers, their healing, in turn, is accompanied by the appearance of scars. If the level of functioning of the body’s immune system is inadequate, the possibility of developing phlegmon, abscesses and fasciitis cannot be excluded, which can almost lead to sepsis or a necrotic form of this disease.
Chickenpox in frequent cases occurs in an atypical form (we examined their varieties earlier, they also correspond to the manifestation in the picture of the disease in adults).

Chickenpox in infants: symptoms

As we already noted initially, chickenpox in children and the symptoms characteristic of it appear extremely rarely before three months of their life, which is explained by their receipt of maternal antibodies through the transplacental route. Meanwhile, if the mother has no previous history of chickenpox as a past disease, the production of corresponding antibodies does not occur, and therefore, in fact, their transmission does not occur. Accordingly, contact with infection leads to the fact that the child may become ill almost immediately after birth. If the indicated picture of the possible acquisition of the disease corresponds, it, in turn, is characterized by some features, which we will also highlight:

frequent detection of a prodrome period with chickenpox, lasting for a period of 2-4 days, accompanied by severe symptoms of intoxication;
within the period during which rashes characteristic of the disease appear, there is also an increased temperature and symptoms of intoxication expressed in manifestations (which also consists of general cerebral manifestations);
the rashes that appear are often abundant in nature, the evolution of the elements shows slowness, and the contents in the vesicles are often hemorrhagic;
the duration of the rash period is about 7-9 days;
Bacterial complications are often associated with the disease;
the course of the disease in often cases is characterized by its own severity;
the course of the disease cannot be excluded in accordance with the scenario inherent in its visceral form, hemorrhagic form or gangrenous form.

It is also worthwhile to dwell separately on such a form of the disease as intrauterine chicken pox, and in particular on such related clinical forms as embryofetopathy (which is defined as congenital chickenpox syndrome) and in the neonatal form of chickenpox.

Intrauterine chickenpox. When considering statistics regarding current morbidity, we can highlight indicators of 5 cases per 10,000 for pregnant women. In case of infection of the fetus within the first four months of pregnancy, subsequently, accordingly, the clinic inherent in the specified syndrome of the congenital form of the disease appears.

Embryophetopathy during the first trimester in part possible risk occurs in 2% of cases, during the second trimester - in 0.4% of cases. The congenital form of the disease is characterized by the presence of skin pathology in the form of areas of scarring with their clear distribution into multiple types of scarification, dermatomas, and hypopigmentation. Pathologies of the central nervous system, bones, eyes, intestines, and urinary system are also relevant; a delay in intrauterine development, as well as a lag in psychomotor development.

During the first months of a newborn’s life, the mortality rate in this case is about 25%, but if the infection occurred after the 20th week of pregnancy, embryofetopathy does not develop, congenital chickenpox in this case becomes latent (hidden, without manifestations in the form of noticeable symptoms and signs pointing to it). Subsequently, over the next few months, the child may experience symptoms consistent with the manifestations of herpes zoster.

Neonatal chickenpox is a disease in the form in which it manifests itself in the event of infection of the fetus during the last three weeks of pregnancy, during childbirth, or within the first 12 days from birth. Children whose mothers fell ill with chickenpox 5 days before birth or within the first 3 days after this experience symptoms of this disease by 5-10 days of life. Due to the absence of corresponding antibodies in the body of such children, the course of the disease is characterized by significant severity, as well as the addition pathological conditions indicating damage to internal organs (intestines, kidneys, heart, lungs, etc.). Also joins hemorrhagic syndrome and complications, as a result of which the picture of the disease is reduced to fairly high mortality rates (it reaches about 30%).

In the event that a pregnant woman falls ill within 6-20 days before the onset of childbirth, chickenpox symptoms in the newborn appear immediately after birth. Considering the fact that in this case there was a transplacental transfer of antibodies from the mother, the course of the disease in the vast majority of cases is quite favorable.

Complications of chickenpox

Complications of the disease are caused by the generalization of the process, as well as damage to internal organs by the virus, which often occurs in combination with the addition of pathogenic microorganisms and a breakdown in the immune and endocrine systems adaptation mechanisms.

Complications include the following:

herpetic lesions affecting the respiratory system (laryngitis, tracheitis, pneumonia in combination with respiratory failure);
pathological lesions associated with detoxification organs (nephritis, liver abscesses, hepatitis);
lesions associated with the functions of the peripheral and central nervous systems (meningitis, encephalitis, cysts in the brain, cerebral edema, cerebellar ataxia, polyradiculoneuritis, paresis and muscle paralysis);
damage to blood vessels, heart (myocarditis, hemorrhagic syndrome, thrombophlebitis, arteritis, etc.);
pathologies of muscles and joints (fasciitis, myositis, arthritis, etc.).

Quite often, meningoencephalitis and encephalitis develop from the listed pathologies. Complications of a neurological scale are caused by both the direct impact of the virus and the immune response produced by the body, against the background of which, in turn, demyelination of nerve fibers occurs.

Encephalitis often develops during the period of height of rashes or the period of convalescence. According to the first option, encephalitis develops due to the virus entering the central nervous system (hematogenous or axonal routes), which determines the severity of the subsequent infectious process. With febrile fever, cerebral symptoms develop (convulsions, headache, impaired consciousness, vomiting); some patients experience meningeal signs. In the future, focal symptoms in combination with hemiparesis are noted in the foreground.

If we are talking about encephalitis within the period of convalescence (in days 5-14 of the disease), then here we can note its relevance, regardless of the specific form of severity of the disease. Cerebellitis predominantly develops with general cerebral symptoms (vomiting, headache and lethargy), as well as with symptoms accompanying the condition of cerebellar damage (which manifests itself in the form of ataxia, muscular hypotonia, nystagmus, tremor). Meningeal symptoms are absent or mild.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the disease, data obtained from epidemiological analysis, as well as from laboratory and clinical studies. Laboratory diagnostics is based on the following:

virological methods - through their use, the virus is isolated from tissue cultures; in addition, it is also isolated from the fluid of blisters in rashes and damaged exfoliating skin;
express diagnostic methods - first of all, consist of an immunofluorescence reaction, which makes it possible to detect viral antigens through smears or scrapings taken from the bases of vesicular formations;
molecular genetic methods - involve the isolation of DNA belonging to the virus from vesicular fluid, cerebrospinal fluid and blood, which involves the use of polymerase chain reaction (or abbreviated PCR).
serological methods - in particular, ELISA, through the implementation of which antibodies of certain classes are determined.

Chickenpox treatment

To treat chickenpox, hospitalization is necessary in severe forms of its course, as well as in cases in which complications develop (myelopathy, encephalitis, nephritis, meningoencephalitis, etc.). In other cases, treatment is carried out at home.

Prescribed bed rest for all patients: the normal course of the disease determines a period of 3-5 days; the course of the disease with complications requires an individual determination of this period based on the severity of the patient’s condition. Patients also require good care aimed at the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes, which will ensure the possibility of preventing complications. Daily baths and changes of linen are recommended. Vesicles are processed using a 1% solution of brilliant green.

It is also necessary to rinse your mouth after eating using a disinfectant solution based on a decoction of chamomile, furatsilin or calendula; you can also use ordinary boiled water. To wash the eyes, a solution of furatsilin is used; the appearance of purulent discharge requires the use of drops of sodium sulfacyl (20-30%).

In addition, etiotropic therapy based on the following components is also relevant.

Viricidal drugs

These include inosine pranobex and abnormal nucleosides (the drugs acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir). The effectiveness of acyclovir is noted only at the beginning of treatment, within the first day from the moment the patient develops a rash. Mild and moderate forms of the disease require its administration for a period of 7-10 days to treat forms heavy drug is administered by intravenous drip for a period of 7-10 days, after which the treatment regimen with the drug changes to using it in its usual form (internally). Acyclovir ointment must be applied to the affected areas of the skin, and its effectiveness is also determined when applied to conjunctivitis. Children over 12 years old can be prescribed valacyclovir, adolescents over 17 years old, and adults can be prescribed famciclovir. Inosine has a suppressive effect on the varicella zoster virus, as well as a number of other viruses; in addition, it has an immunomodulatory effect.

Interferon medications

Mild and moderate forms of the disease involve the use internally or in the form of rectal suppositories (drugs Viferon, Kipferon, Genferon Light). Viferon suppositories are prescribed one twice a day for a period of 5 to 10 days. Children under 7 years old are prescribed Viferon-1, from 7 years old - Viferon-2. Viferon ointment is used for affected areas of the skin.

Interferon inducers

They are used in the treatment of mild/moderate forms of the disease (drugs neovir, poludan, kagocel, etc.). Poludanum, etc. are used as topical preparations.

Immunoglobulins

These types of drugs are necessary in the treatment of moderate/severe forms of the disease.

Antibiotics

Prescribed in case of development of such forms of chickenpox as bullous, pustular or gangrenous. In addition, the use of antibiotics is also important against the background of the development of bacterial complications.

IN pathogenetic therapy chickenpox for mild/moderate forms of the disease, drink plenty of fluids; for severe/complicated forms, intravenous drip administration of glucose-saline solutions is used. Taking into account the monitoring of the immunogram, immunocorrective drugs and cytokine drugs are prescribed. Additionally, vitamin-mineral complexes and multivitamins, enterosorbents and probiotics are prescribed, and, if appropriate, metabolic drugs, expectorants and mucolytics, antihistamines and protease inhibitors are prescribed. In case of severe itching, first generation antihistamines (diazolin, tavegil, suprastin) are recommended. The use of glucocorticoids is relevant only in the development of encephalitis.

To eliminate symptoms, antipyretic drugs (ibuprofen, paracetamol) are used. acetylsalicylic acid unacceptable, because this can lead to the development of Reye's syndrome in patients!

Urticaria is one of the most common diseases treated by an allergist. In general, the term urticaria refers to a number of specific diseases characterized by different specific nature of occurrence, but manifesting themselves in the same way. Urticaria, the symptoms of which manifest themselves in the form of a cluster of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, reminiscent of a burn received when the skin is exposed to nettles, is so called for this reason.

Migraine is a fairly common neurological disease accompanied by severe paroxysmal headaches. Migraine, the symptoms of which are actually pain concentrated on one half of the head mainly in the area of the eyes, temples and forehead, nausea, and in some cases vomiting, occurs without reference to tumor formations brain, to stroke and serious injuries head, although it may indicate the relevance of the development of certain pathologies.

Herpes is a viral disease that manifests itself in the form of characteristic rashes (vesicles), grouped together and localized in the mucous membranes and on the skin. Herpes, the symptoms of which arise against the background of exposure to herpes viruses, most often occurs in the form of a labial (more precisely, labial) infection; its manifestations are traditionally defined as “colds on the lips.” There are other forms of the disease, for example, genital herpes (predominantly affecting the genitals), as well as forms in which a variety of areas are affected.

– acute infectious disease viral etiology, characterized by the appearance of a characteristic blistering rash against the background of a general intoxication syndrome. The causative agent of chickenpox is the herpes virus type 3, transmitted from a patient by airborne droplets. Chickenpox is one of the most common childhood infections. It manifests itself with characteristic profuse itching blistering rashes, appearing at the height of fever and general infectious manifestations. A typical clinic allows you to diagnose the disease without conducting any additional research. Treatment of chickenpox is mainly symptomatic. To prevent secondary infection it is recommended antiseptic treatment elements of the rash.

General information

– an acute infectious disease of viral etiology, characterized by the appearance of a characteristic blistering rash against the background of a general intoxication syndrome.

Characteristics of the pathogen

Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus of the herpesvirus family, also known as human herpes virus type 3. This is a DNA virus that is poorly resistant to external environment, capable of replication only in the human body. Virus inactivation occurs quite quickly upon exposure sunlight, ultraviolet irradiation, when heated, dried. The reservoir and source of chickenpox are sick people within 10 last days incubation period and the fifth to seventh day of the rash period.

Chickenpox is transmitted through the aerosol mechanism by airborne droplets. Due to the weak resistance of the virus, contact-household transmission is difficult to implement. The spread of the virus with a fine aerosol released by patients when coughing, sneezing, talking, is possible over a sufficiently large distance within the room; it is likely to be carried by air currents into adjacent rooms. There is a possibility of transplacental transmission of infection.

People have a high susceptibility to infection; after suffering from chickenpox, intense lifelong immunity remains. Children in the first months of life are protected from infection by antibodies received from the mother. Chickenpox most often affects children of preschool and junior age. school age attending organized children's groups. About 70-90% of the population gets chickenpox before the age of 15 years. The incidence in cities is more than 2 times higher than in rural areas. The peak incidence of chickenpox occurs in the autumn-winter period.

Pathogenesis of chickenpox

The entry point for infection is the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. The virus invades and accumulates in epithelial cells, subsequently spreading to regional lymph nodes and further into the general bloodstream. The circulation of the virus in the bloodstream causes symptoms of general intoxication. The varicella zoster virus has an affinity for the epithelium of integumentary tissues. Replication of the virus in the epithelial cell contributes to its death; in the place of the dead cells, cavities remain, filled with exudate (inflammatory fluid) - a vesicle is formed. After opening the vesicles, crusts remain. After peeling off the crust, the newly formed epidermis is revealed underneath it. Chickenpox rashes can form both on the skin and on the mucous membranes, where the vesicles quickly progress to erosion.

Chicken pox in people with a weakened immune system occurs in a severe form, contributes to the development of complications, secondary infection, and exacerbation of chronic diseases. During pregnancy, the probability of transmitting chickenpox from mother to fetus is 0.4% in the first 14 weeks and increases to 1% until week 20, after which the risk of infection of the fetus is practically absent. As an effective preventive measure, pregnant women with chickenpox are prescribed specific immunoglobulins that help reduce the likelihood of transmitting the infection to the child to a minimum. Chicken pox that develops a week before childbirth and in the month following childbirth is more dangerous.

Persistent, lifelong immunity reliably protects the body from re-infection, however, with a significant decrease in the body’s immune properties, adults who had chickenpox in childhood can become infected with it again. There is a phenomenon of latent carriage of the varicella zoster virus, which accumulates in the cells of the nerve ganglia and can be activated, causing herpes zoster. The mechanisms of viral activation during such carriage are not yet clear enough.

Chickenpox symptoms

The incubation period for chickenpox ranges from 1-3 weeks. In children, prodromal phenomena are weakly expressed or not observed at all; in general, the course is mild with a slight deterioration in the general condition. Adults are prone to a more severe course of chickenpox with severe symptoms of intoxication (chills, headache, body aches), fever, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Rashes in children can occur unexpectedly in the absence of any general symptoms. In adults, the period of rashes often begins later; fever when elements of the rash appear may persist for some time.

The rash with chickenpox has the character of bullous dermatitis. Rashes are single elements that appear on any part of the body and spread without any pattern. The elements of the rash initially appear as red spots, progressing into papules, and then into small, even, single-chamber vesicles with clear liquid, which collapse when punctured. Opened vesicles form crusts. Chickenpox is characterized by the simultaneous existence of elements at different stages of development and the emergence of new ones (addition).

The chickenpox rash causes intense itching, and scratching may infect the vesicles with the formation of pustules. When pustules heal, they can leave behind a scar (pockmark). Uninfected vesicles do not leave scars, and once the crusts are separated, healthy new epithelium is revealed. When rash elements suppurate, the general condition usually worsens and intoxication worsens. The rash in adults is usually more profuse, and in the vast majority of cases pustules form from the vesicles.

The rash spreads over almost the entire surface of the body with the exception of the palms and soles, mainly localized in the scalp, face, and neck. Falling asleep (the appearance of new elements) is possible for 3-8 days (in adults, as a rule, they are accompanied by new feverish waves). Intoxication subsides simultaneously with the cessation of sleep. The rash may appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, genitals, and sometimes on the conjunctiva. Bulk elements on the mucous membranes progress to erosion and ulcers. In adults, the rash may be accompanied by lymphadenopathy; for children, involvement of the lymph nodes is not typical.

Besides typical course, there is an erased form of chickenpox, occurring without signs of intoxication and with a short-term rare rash, as well as severe forms, distinguished by bullous, hemorrhagic and gangrenous. The bullous form is characterized by a rash in the form of large flabby blisters, which after opening leave long-healing ulcerative defects. This form is typical for people with severe chronic diseases. The hemorrhagic form is accompanied by hemorrhagic diathesis; small hemorrhages are observed on the skin and mucous membranes, and nosebleeds may occur. The vesicles have a brownish tint due to hemorrhagic contents. In persons with a significantly weakened body, chickenpox can occur in a gangrenous form: rapidly growing vesicles with hemorrhagic contents open to form necrotic black crusts, surrounded by a rim of inflamed skin.

Complications of chickenpox

In the vast majority of cases, the course of chickenpox is benign; complications are observed in no more than 5% of patients. Among them, diseases caused by secondary infection predominate: abscesses, phlegmons, severe cases– sepsis. A dangerous, difficult-to-treat complication is viral (chickenpox) pneumonia. In some cases, chicken pox can provoke keratitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, nephritis, arthritis, and hepatitis. Severe forms of diseases in adults are prone to complications, especially with concomitant chronic pathologies and weakened immune system. In children, complications are observed in exceptional cases.

Diagnosis of chickenpox

Diagnosis of chickenpox in clinical practice performed on the basis of a characteristic clinical picture. A general blood test for chickenpox is nonspecific; pathological changes can be limited to an acceleration of ESR, or signal an inflammatory disease with an intensity proportional to the general intoxication symptoms.

Virological research involves identifying virions by electromicroscopy of vesicular fluid stained with silver. Serological diagnosis has retrospective significance and is produced using RSC, RTGA in paired sera.

Treatment of chickenpox

Chickenpox is treated on an outpatient basis, unless severe course with intense general intoxication manifestations. Etiotropic therapy has not been developed; in case of pustule formation, antibiotic therapy is resorted to for a short course in medium dosages. Persons with immune deficiency can be prescribed antiviral drugs: acyclovir, vidarabine, interferon alpha (new generation interferon). Early administration of interferon contributes to a milder and shorter-term course of the infection, and also reduces the risk of complications.

Chickenpox treatment includes skin care measures to prevent purulent complications: vesicles are lubricated antiseptic solutions: 1% solution of brilliant green, concentrated - potassium permanganate (“brilliant green”, “potassium permanganate”). Ulcerations of the mucous membrane are treated with hydrogen peroxide at a 3% dilution or ethacridine lactate. Intense itching in the area of the rash is relieved by lubricating the skin with glycerin or wiping with diluted vinegar or alcohol. As pathogenetic agent antihistamines are prescribed. Pregnant women and patients with severe forms are prescribed a specific anti-chickenpox immunoglobulin.

Forecast and prevention of chickenpox

The prognosis is favorable, the disease ends in recovery. Vesicles disappear without a trace, pustules can leave smallpox scars. Significant deterioration in prognosis in persons with immunodeficiency and severe systemic diseases.

Prevention of chickenpox consists of preventing the introduction of infection into organized children's groups, for which quarantine measures are taken when cases of the disease are detected. Patients are isolated for 9 days from the moment the rash appears, children who have been in contact with sick people are separated for 21 days. If the day of contact with the patient is precisely determined, the child is not allowed into the children's group from 11 to 21 days after contact. Contact children who have not previously had chickenpox and with weakened immune systems are prescribed anti-chickenpox immunoglobulin as a preventive measure.

Recently, vaccination against chickenpox has begun to be used. For this purpose, the vaccines Varilrix (Belgium) and Okavax (Japan) are used.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that is classified as a childhood infection because it most often affects children under 12 years of age. It recurs in extremely rare cases, since upon first contact with the virus, the body produces antibodies that last a lifetime.

What is chickenpox

Chicken pox - viral disease, which is transmitted by airborne droplets from a person infected with the pathogen. It is characterized by specific skin on the background and general intoxication of the body.

Kinds

Chickenpox can be classic (typical) or atypical. Classic is characterized by elevated temperature and rashes that gradually appear and then, having gone through all stages of formation, disappear.

Atypical is divided into several types:

Vestigial chickenpox. It is typical for her normal temperature body and absence of rash. Most often, the patient does not feel any pronounced symptoms (more details).
Visceral. In this form, chickenpox affects the kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, pancreas and others important organs. initial stage The disease can occur in a latent form and with virtually no rashes.
The hemorrhagic type of chickenpox develops in people with immunodeficiency conditions and in those who have recently undergone a course of treatment with glucocorticoid hormones or cytostatics. Patients develop acne big size that contain blood. May happen various bleeding, if action is not taken immediately.
Gangrenous chickenpox. This is a severe degree of the disease, in which large blisters form in large numbers on the body, as well as necrotic areas appear. All this can lead to the development of sepsis.

These types of chickenpox develop due to delayed consultation with a doctor, reduced immunity, lack of proper treatment and improper treatment of skin areas affected by the rash. An advanced disease causes severe complications, which can lead to death.

Symptoms

The incubation period for chickenpox lasts from 1 to 3 weeks. Chickenpox manifests itself general weakness and discomfort on the skin. Then pronounced signs of a feverish state appear. Chickenpox develops in several stages:

The first signs are characterized by the fact that a person feels a loss of strength, and soon his temperature rises and itching is felt throughout the body.
After some time, several itchy pimples form on a small area of skin. They contain a translucent liquid.
After this, skin rashes immediately spread in a chaotic manner throughout the body and damage to the mucous membranes is observed.
The rashes are very itchy, which negatively affects mental state person. Irritability and moodiness appear, especially in children.
The high temperature can last from 2 to 4 days, and the vesicles increase slightly in size.
The period of rashes is chaotic. Pimples can appear for a couple of days, and then the process stops, after which another rash can be noticed again. This happens throughout the week. During the calm period, the temperature drops slightly, and when a rash appears, it rises again.
At the end of the disease, the pimples dry out and become covered with crusts, which soon fall off on their own. The person ceases to be contagious.

Causes

The cause of this disease is the chickenpox virus Varicella-Zoster. Infection occurs from a person who is a carrier of chickenpox.

After the disease, the disease becomes persistent for life, but sometimes re-infections occur. This happens rarely and occurs because the virus, which has been in the body for years, wakes up and enters the active stage due to reduced immunity, nervous stress or overvoltage.

How to treat chickenpox

The typical form of chickenpox can be treated quite easily at home.

This is especially true for children. They tolerate the disease easily and do not disrupt their usual daily routine. However, under no circumstances should they go out and visit the clinic. In this case it is necessary to mandatory call a doctor to your home so that he can establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe medications that will help you quickly and effectively get rid of chickenpox.

Diagnostics

Recognizing chickenpox is not difficult. At the first visit, a specialist will be able to identify the disease by its characteristic symptoms. It is extremely difficult to confuse the pathology with other dermatological diseases due to the specific rashes, but to clarify the diagnosis they can be prescribed in the blood.

How to treat

To treat rashes, pharmaceutical brilliant green is most often prescribed. The disadvantage of this product is that it strongly stains the skin in a bright green color, which is difficult to wash off, but the main advantage of the drug is that it helps to quickly cure chickenpox, dries out pimples well and heals them.

There are other drugs to treat chickenpox. For example, a solution of potassium permanganate () or salicylic alcohol. They also have highly effective antiseptic properties. In addition, it has good reviews among people. It's not cheap, but effective remedy, which is easily applied to the skin and promotes fast healing vesicle.

When a patient has a high temperature and poor general health, it is necessary to use paracetamol-based drugs.

If the condition does not improve, this especially often happens in adults who suffer from chickenpox more severely than children, then the person should be admitted to a hospital. There he is prescribed intravenous drips to relieve the intoxication of the body.

During the course of the disease, the patient needs to remain rest, bed rest and drink as much fluid as possible. Because chickenpox is viral disease, antibiotics cannot be used in treatment, since they are powerless in this case. They can be taken only when the patient begins to develop a purulent bacterial infection.

Folk remedies

Treatment of chickenpox folk remedies effective only in combination with traditional therapy. Various infusions and decoctions can be brewed and taken orally to improve well-being and reduce fever. In addition, it is good to use baths with medicinal plants.

There are many traditional methods for treating chickenpox. The following recipes are effective for external use:

You need to take 10 drops of bergamot oil and mix it with 10 drops olive oil. This substance can be used to wipe pimples. Treatment with this method helps eliminate itching and quickly dry out the blisters.
Great for preparing a bath baking soda(½ cup). The water in the bath should be slightly warm, and you need to sit in it for 15 minutes. This procedure must be carried out every 4 hours. This will help relieve itching on the body.

In addition, folk remedies help well in treatment: calendula herb, celandine, yarrow, chamomile, sage.

Prevention

Preventive measures consist of isolating a sick person from healthy people who have not been infected with this disease before. Chickenpox is contagious for up to 3 weeks after symptoms first appear.

Graft

There are chickenpox vaccines and Okavax, which can be injected in a medical facility.

They protect against infection for 7-10 years. The vaccine is suitable for those people who have never had chickenpox and do not wish to do so in the future. In addition, the vaccine protects if a healthy person had contact with a sick person and managed to get vaccinated in the first 72 hours after that (more details).

Complications

Some people believe that chickenpox is a harmless disease, but there are cases when it leads to severe complications. The most mild consequences are scars and scars that sometimes remain after the disease, and the most severe are brain lesions, leading to death.

Chickenpox in severe form occurs when a secondary infection occurs. A person can get chickenpox pneumonia, herpes zoster, meningoencephalitis and other pathologies that do not go away without a trace (read more).

Features of chickenpox

The main feature of chickenpox is that almost every person suffers from it. How easily an infected person can tolerate it depends on the age and state of the immune system.

In adults

It's quite difficult. They have a high temperature, severe intoxication of the body and numerous rashes.

Some require hospitalization because they cannot fight the infection on their own.

In addition, at an older age there is a greater likelihood of severe consequences.

In children

Most often it occurs in a mild form and without any complications. Consequences can only occur in a child who is in poor health. During illness, you need to monitor children who experience severe discomfort from itchy vesicles and are able to itch constantly. This can lead to infections getting into the pimples, leading to bacterial infections.

In pregnant women

Chickenpox during pregnancy is extremely undesirable, since a woman’s immunity during this period decreases and she becomes vulnerable to any diseases. The disease may be accompanied by high temperature, which will negatively affect the intrauterine development of the fetus.

Chickenpox. Symptoms and treatment

Is chickenpox dangerous for a pregnant woman and child? — Dr. Komarovsky