Chickenpox's frequently asked questions will clear your doubts on how to manage this viral infection appropriately. Chickenpox is a common, highly infectious and vaccine preventable disease. The incidence of Chickenpox has steadily decreased after the introduction of the varicella vaccine.
Can a Person Get Chickenpox More Than Once?
Usually one attack of chickenpox in childhood provides immunity throughout life against further attacks. But there are exceptions: low immune individuals can get second or third attacks. The reason may be contact with a particular virulent variant of the virus or temporary lowering of immune status. This is possible after about 25-30 years of the first infection. However, the virus may come back from a latent state in the nerve cells as shingles in later life.
When to Consult a Dermatologist?
- When the Chickenpox eruption seems generalized and severe
- If there is high grade fever
- If there is severe headache or vomiting
- If there are generalized eruptions on the face.
- Consult as early as possible , as medicines are only effective if given in the early stages
Is it Not Better For The Disease to Take Its Own Course Than Treating With Anti Viral Drugs?
If the disease is severe, it can cause serious scars. Treatment can prevent this up to an extend. In low resistant individuals, the disease can cause serious complications like menigeal or lung infections and death. In adults, the sick leave from work can be reduced by half if treatment is instituted early.
Will Treatment With Antiviral Medicine Affect The Development Of Antibodies, Which Protect Against Further Infection Later In Life?
No. As the treatment starts only after the eruption starts, already the antibody formation has started and hence the later immunity against the disease is not affected by treatment.
When is The Chickenpox Infective?
Chickenpox patients are infective 2-4 days prior to the skin eruptions! The transmission is through the air from nose and breathing passages. When the vesicles erupt, disease is transmitted through contact with the vesicular fluid.
Once the lesion completely dries up and the crusts are devoid of any moisture, the disease is non-infective.
If there is anyone in the household who has not had chicken pox previously, he should keep away from the patient as far as possible, use of a mask covering both nose and mouth for both patient and other members will reduce the severity of infection in the next batch of sufferers. They should also not share the same toilet as the patient, as the viral shedding will be higher in toilets.
Can a Patient With Chickenpox Take Bath?
It is better to avoid bathing during the initial febrile eruptions and during the successive crops of eruptions. However, the patient can have tepid sponge bath when there is no fever. Calamine lotion may be applied to relieve itching and promote drying after bath. Once crusting starts, bathing can be taken daily.
What Should be the Diet?
Not cold, not hot; not spicy. No coffee, tea, colas. Avoid fries. Drink lots of water and fresh juice. There have been no authentic studies regarding role of food in treatment of chickenpox. Generally a bland diet is advised in chickenpox and other viral infections.
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purpose only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.
Reference
- Viral Infections, in Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology, 7th Edition, 2004
- Chickenpox: Family Health Guide
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