Chickenpox

The tell-tale sign of Chickenpox: An itchy rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters.

What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox (Varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy, blister-like rash.

The Virus: It is caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. Once you have it, the virus stays dormant in your body and can return years later as Shingles.

The 3 Stages of the Rash

The rash appears 10–21 days after exposure. It evolves in three distinct phases, often with new bumps appearing while old ones heal.

• Stage 1: Papules (Days 1-2). Raised pink or red bumps break out.
• Stage 2: Vesicles (Days 2-4). The bumps turn into small, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that eventually break and leak.
• Stage 3: Crusts (Days 4+). The broken blisters dry up and form scabs.

🛑 THE "SCHOOL RULE": WHEN IS IT CONTAGIOUS?
You can spread the virus from 48 hours before the rash appears until every single blister has crusted over.

Do not return to school or work until no new spots have appeared for 24 hours and all old spots are dry scabs.

How it Spreads

[Image of varicella-zoster virus transmission]

Chickenpox is airborne and contact-based. You can catch it by:

• Breathing: Inhaling droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
• Touching: Touching the fluid from a broken blister.

⚠️ DANGER: NO ASPIRIN
NEVER give Aspirin (or products containing aspirin) to children or teenagers recovering from Chickenpox or flu-like symptoms.

Why? It has been linked to Reye's Syndrome, a rare but fatal condition that causes severe liver and brain damage. Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.

Treatment: Managing the Itch

For healthy children, Chickenpox just needs to run its course. Treatment focuses on relief:

1. Stop the Itch

• Oatmeal Baths: Use colloidal oatmeal (finely ground) in a cool bath to soothe skin.
• Calamine Lotion: Dab on spots (but avoid the eyes).
• Antihistamines: Oral meds like Benadryl can reduce itching and help with sleep.

2. Prevent Infection

Scratching can cause bacterial infections (like Staph). Trim fingernails short and consider putting gloves/socks on children's hands at night.

Prevention: The Vaccine

The best way to prevent Chickenpox is the Varicella Vaccine.

• Dose 1: Ages 12–15 months.
• Dose 2: Ages 4–6 years.

Note: Vaccinated children can still get Chickenpox ("Breakthrough Infection"), but it is usually very mild with fewer than 50 spots.

The Long-Term Link: Shingles

After Chickenpox heals, the virus goes to sleep in your nerve roots. Decades later, stress or a weakened immune system can wake it up, causing Shingles (Herpes Zoster)—a painful rash that usually appears as a single stripe on one side of the body.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.