Chickenpox Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever presents as a low-grade fever, possibly accompanied by chills, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for one to two days, followed by the appearance of a rash. The rash first appears on the trunk, then on the head and face, and is relatively less common on the limbs. It begins as red maculopapular rash and turns into vesicular rash within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches, and maculopapules, vesicles, and crusts can be seen in the same area. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that can be cured in about ten days. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have crusted over. Early in the course of the disease, antiviral treatment with acyclovir can be used. It is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching the vesicles to prevent infection.

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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.)

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Symptoms and Treatment of Chickenpox

The main symptoms of chickenpox include a mild fever and rash, with some patients experiencing headaches, coughs, and other symptoms. Treatment primarily consists of general treatment, antiviral therapy, and treatment of complications.

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How long does it take to treat chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. It can be spread through air or droplets by mutual contact. Once infected, the disease can generally be cured within about a week or ten days with proper treatment. During the treatment period, it is essential to drink plenty of water, avoid crowded places, and avoid contact with children or older people to prevent spreading the virus to others. It is also crucial to rest, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and not stay up late. If fever occurs, appropriate fever-reducing medication can be taken.

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Is scabies chickenpox?

Scabies is caused by an infection of scabies mites and is highly contagious, generally being transmitted through direct contact, such as sharing clothes or sleeping in the same bed with shared bedding. Typically, the itching is milder during the day and worsens at night. Symptoms include itching, peeling, and blistering between the fingers. In males, red scabies nodules may appear on the scrotum. Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is also highly contagious but primarily spreads through droplets and air. Once infected, it can be treated with antiviral medications. Scabies and chickenpox are entirely different diseases and must be diagnosed and treated separately.

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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.