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varicella
The Differences between Chickenpox and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Chickenpox and hand, foot, and mouth disease are common infectious diseases in young children. Chickenpox is a febrile rash disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Its rash mainly manifests as maculopapular, vesicular, and crusted lesions, which appear simultaneously. Generally, these are primarily seen on the face and trunk with a centripetal distribution. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is mainly caused by viruses, such as enterovirus EV71 or Coxsackievirus A16. It causes a febrile rash disease with rashes typically found on the hands, feet, and around the mouth. Rashes on the chest, back, and face are relatively rare. Thus, the main clinical presentations of hand, foot, and mouth disease and chickenpox are the different forms of rashes.
Do you always have a fever with chickenpox?
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and most infections are accompanied by fever. Some severe cases may even experience high fevers, reaching around 40°C. However, some individuals with stronger constitutions might only develop blisters on their bodies without showing any fever symptoms. Regardless of the type, once infected with chickenpox, it is crucial to treat with proper antiviral medication. Additionally, this disease is highly contagious. Avoid contact with children or elderly people as it can be transmitted through the air. It is advisable to isolate oneself, eat more vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of water, and rest. With treatment, recovery generally occurs within about a week.
Will new chickenpox blisters appear if medication is used after two days?
Medication may still cause new outbreaks of chickenpox two days after its initial use, as the typical duration of chickenpox is about a week, and new outbreaks can still occur. In this situation, it is important to avoid scratching because scratching can easily lead to skin infections and worsen the condition. Therefore, it is vital to avoid scratching. If the itching is severe, a calamine lotion can be applied to the skin. Additionally, it is crucial to consume a light, easily digestible diet, including fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, kiwi, apples, etc., and timely antiviral treatment should be carried out, as chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. (Use of medication should be under the guidance of a physician.)
What should you pay attention to when you have chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus. Once the disease appears, it is important to isolate oneself, avoid crowded places, and avoid contact with children or elderly people, as they are more susceptible to widespread infection. During treatment, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, rest, avoid spicy or irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late. Since chickenpox causes numerous blisters on the body, it is important to protect the affected areas to prevent secondary infections. Treatment usually involves common antiviral medications and typically lasts about a week. During treatment, it is also important not to bathe and to avoid exposure to cold drafts.
The Difference between Urticaria and Chickenpox in Children
When children develop hives, the rash looks like chickenpox, but these two are completely different diseases. With chickenpox, fever usually occurs after the onset of the disease, and the oral mucosa can also be easily damaged. On the other hand, hives typically appear on the limbs, neck, or buttocks, with noticeable itching that becomes more pronounced at night. The difference between hives and chickenpox lies in their differing causes of infection, which also affects where the symptoms manifest. It is advised that parents pay attention to these differences and treat them accordingly to minimize harm.
Early symptoms of chickenpox
The early symptoms of chickenpox generally include fever, and the rash appears as red papules. Later, it can lead to the development of vesicles. In the initial stage of chickenpox, some precautions need to be taken for children, such as avoiding exposure to wind, keeping children away from crowded places, and ensuring a light and easily digestible diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, tomatoes, bitter melon, etc. Regarding care, the room should be ventilated for two hours every day to ensure fresh air. Since chickenpox is caused by a viral infection, some antiviral traditional Chinese medicines can be administered to the child for treatment.
What fruits can you eat with chickenpox?
When children have chickenpox, they can eat foods and fruits rich in vitamins, such as kiwis, apples, and cherry tomatoes. During chickenpox, it is important to maintain a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding overly greasy and spicy foods. If the chickenpox is particularly itchy, topical calamine lotion can be applied to help relieve itching and prevent scratching, which can lead to infections. It is necessary to treat children with antiviral medications, as chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)
How is chickenpox transmitted?
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, and it can be transmitted in two ways. One way is through the secretion of the nasopharynx, such as contagious droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, or talking, which can infect people nearby. The fluid from the blisters of chickenpox is also contagious. The primary rash of chickenpox consists of blisters, and before these blisters dry up and crust over, touching the fluid from these blisters can also transmit chickenpox. Therefore, patients with chickenpox need to be isolated until the blisters dry and form crusts before quarantine can be lifted.
The contagious period of chickenpox is how many days?
Chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. This disease is quite contagious and is mostly transmitted through the air and respiratory system. The contagious period generally lasts about ten days, but it can vary from person to person, with some patients possibly experiencing a longer duration. Generally, children exhibit milder symptoms and have a shorter treatment period. In adults, the treatment period tends to be longer, typically ending when the symptoms have subsided and the blisters on the body have completely dried and fallen off. Once this disease is contracted, it is essential to isolate and treat it properly using antiviral medications. Children and elderly individuals in the household should avoid frequent contact to prevent transmission. After the onset of chickenpox, high fever may occur, so it is necessary to have some fever-reducing medications on hand to prevent other illnesses caused by the fever.
How is chickenpox treated?
Chickenpox generally has a good prognosis, and does not leave scars after the scabs fall off. Its treatment mainly includes three aspects: First, general and symptomatic treatment. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have scabbed over. Rest in bed during the fever period, consume easily digestible food, and ensure adequate hydration. Enhanced nursing care is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching, which could lead to secondary infections. Second, antiviral treatment. Early use of antiviral medications can be effective. Antiviral treatment within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash can control its progression and speed up recovery. Third, prevention of complications. Antibacterial drugs should be used in cases of secondary bacterial infections. For patients with encephalitis presenting with cerebral hemorrhage, dehydration treatment should be administered. Corticosteroids should not be used in chickenpox.