What should you pay attention to when you have chickenpox?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on December 23, 2024
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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.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Can chickenpox in children be transmitted to adults?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious exanthematous disease caused by varicella-zoster virus infection. Its clinical characteristics include the successive or simultaneous appearance of papules, vesicles, and crusts on the skin and mucous membranes. Both chickenpox and herpes zoster patients are sources of infection, primarily from those with chickenpox. From one to two days before the onset of the disease until crusting, it is highly contagious, mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and the respiratory tract, or by contact with vesicular fluid. The general population is susceptible, especially pregnant women and people with low immunity, making it possible to transmit to adults.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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How is chickenpox treated?

The symptoms of chickenpox often present no symptoms in infants and toddlers, but they may experience low fever, irritability, and reluctance to breastfeed. Simultaneously, a rash appears. In older children and adults, symptoms can include low fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and loss of appetite, followed by the appearance of a rash after one to two days. The rash first appears on the torso and then spreads to the face and limbs. Since chickenpox rash typically appears in batches, at the same site one may see maculopapular rashes, vesicles, and scabs. About a week later, the scabs fall off, generally leaving no scars. However, secondary bacterial infections of the rash can occur, leading to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves itself in about ten days. Treatment of chickenpox involves isolating the patient until all the blisters have completely scabbed over. During the fever phase, bed rest is recommended, along with easily digestible food and adequate hydration. Skin care should be emphasized to prevent infection. Early antiviral treatment can be effective, particularly if administered within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash, as it can help control the rash's progression and accelerate recovery. In cases of secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used. If encephalitis leads to cerebral edema, dehydration treatment should be administered. The use of corticosteroids is not advisable for chickenpox as they can cause the disease to spread.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever is usually mild and may be 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, with the limbs being relatively less affected. Initially, the rash starts as red maculopapular lesions, which turn into vesicles within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches. The same area can show maculopapular lesions, vesicles, and crusts. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves on its own in about ten days. However, complications such as secondary bacterial infections of the rash, pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis can occur, potentially worsening the condition.

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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.)