Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also spread through direct contact with an infected person's saliva, mucus, or blister fluid. It usually affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, but it can also affect adults.
Symptoms of Chickenpox
The most common symptom of chickenpox is a rash that consists of itchy, red bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. Other common symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
Treatment of Chickenpox
The most common treatment for chickenpox is to keep the rash clean and dry and to keep the itching to a minimum. Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and calamine lotion can help relieve itching. Prescription medications such as antiviral drugs may be prescribed to help reduce the severity of the illness. In some cases, a doctor may recommend that a person receive a vaccine to protect against the virus.
Complications of Chickenpox
Although chickenpox is usually a mild illness, some people may experience complications. Possible complications include bacterial infections of the skin, pneumonia, sepsis, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), and hematologic disorders. People who are pregnant, have weakened immune systems, or have chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for developing more serious complications.