CHICKENPOX: SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ONE OF THE MOST COMMON DISEASES AMONG CHILDREN

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus (Vzv), belonging to the Herpes virus family. Together with rubella, measles, whooping cough and mumps, it is the most common childhood disease and usually occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 12.

It spreads mainly through the air through coughs or sneezing of sick individuals or through direct contact with the secretions of the rash, the classic skin rash that occurs in these cases and causes itching.

Symptoms

Chickenpox usually manifests itself with easily recognizable symptoms, starting with the appearance of small red blisters on the back, stomach and face, extending over the entire surface of the skin.

Often this exanthematic phase is preceded by a prodomal phase, which manifests itself with slight fever, mild headache and general malaise for about 1-2 days, but this is more common in adults. In children it can easily go unnoticed.

The actual exanthematic phase, on the other hand, occurs in the form of various vesicles, which appear in successive waves and which undergo an "evolution that goes from a few hours to a few days. In the central days, therefore, red spots in relief (macules) may be present. , raised spots (papules), fluid-filled patches (vesicles) and scabs This phase is often accompanied by fever between 37.8 and 39.4 ° C.

Infection

Usually, those with chickenpox can be contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears. Normally 10 to 21 days pass from the moment of contraction of the virus to its manifestation, then those who are infected with it spend an incubation period of about two weeks, being in turn contagious until shortly before the appearance of the rash.

If a vaccinated patient falls ill, it can still be contagious.

Generally contracting chickenpox means then becoming immune to it, in fact you rarely contract chickenpox twice in the course of your life.

Treatment

To reduce itching, it is usually recommended to apply wet gauze to the skin surface. In some cases, doctors also recommend frequent oat baths, which soften the pustules.

To control pain and body temperature, it is necessary to proceed with the administration of analgesics and antipyretics and in the most severe cases with the intake of antihistamines or broad spectrum antibiotics to soothe excessive discomfort and itching.

We know how difficult it is to resist scratching in a situation like this, especially for a child, which is why mothers in some cases may resort to using gloves and socks to prevent the little one from scratching, especially during the night.

Vaccine

Here are times and doses of the vaccine based on age:

In children between 12 months and 12 years: one dose of the vaccine
In children over 12 years of age and in adults: two doses of the vaccine, spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

The vaccine is 80% -90% effective in preventing infection, and 85% -95% effective in preventing severe varicella. If given within 72 hours of infection or at most 5 days, it can in fact, it protects or favors a milder contraction of the disease.

Vaccination is not mandatory and is recommended for adults, especially women planning to have a child and those who have a high risk of contracting it, including health care professionals, teachers and babysitters.

It is contraindicated in the case of immunosuppressed individuals, pregnant women or anaphylactic reaction to the first dose.

If an unvaccinated woman wants a child, she should be vaccinated at least 1-3 months before conception. It is not advisable to get vaccinated during pregnancy or in the 30 days before conception.

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