How to Prevent Chicken Pox Early and Treat it

What is Chicken Pox ?

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). The disease results in a characteristic skin rash that forms small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab over. It usually starts on the chest, back, and face then spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms may include fever, tiredness, and headaches. Symptoms usually last five to seven days. Complications may occasionally include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and bacterial skin infections. The disease is often more severe in adults than in children. Symptoms begin 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus

Prevention

The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Children, adolescents, and adults should get two doses of chickenpox vaccine.

Chickenpox vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing the disease. Most people who get the vaccine will not get chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, it is usually mild—with fewer red spots or blisters and mild or no fever. The chickenpox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe disease.

For more information about chickenpox vaccine, see Vaccination.

For people exposed to chickenpox, call a health care provider if the person

• People with HIV/AIDS or cancer
• Patients who have had transplants, and
• People on chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medications, or long-term use of steroids

Travelling on a plane 

If you or your child have chickenpox, you may not be allowed to fly until six days after the last spot has appeared.

You and your child should be safe to fly once you're past the infectious stage and all of the blisters have crusted over. But it's best to check the policy of your airline first. Inform the airline as soon as chickenpox is diagnosed.

It is also important to let your travel insurer know if you or your child have chickenpox. You need to make sure that you'll be covered if you have to delay or cancel your holiday, or if you need to extend your stay until your child is well enough to fly home.

Stop the virus spreading

Chickenpox can sometimes be spread through contact with objects that have been infected with the virus, such as children's toys, bedding or clothing.

If someone in your household has chickenpox, you can help stop the virus spreading by wiping any objects or surfaces with a sterilizing solution and making sure that any infected clothing or bedding is washed regularly.

Home Made Treatment of Chicken Pox

Don’t Scratch That Itch

Yes, it’s tempting. But scratching your rash can put you at risk for a bacterial skin infection. It could also cause scarring. Try these tips to calm your itchy skin:

• Tap or pat -- don’t scratch -- your itch

• Take a cool oatmeal bath (you can buy it at your local drugstore). Dab or pat (don’t rub) your skin dry.
• Wear loose, cotton clothing so your skin can breathe
• Dab calamine lotion on your itchy spots
• Try an antihistamine, like Benadryl, to ease your symptoms

Stay Hydrated

Drink lots of fluids to help your body rid itself of the virus faster. It’ll also keep you from getting dehydrated.

Choose water over sugary drinks or sodas, especially if you or your child has chickenpox in the mouth. Sugar-free popsicles are a good choice, too.

Avoid hard, spicy, or salty foods that can make your mouth sore.

Prescription Medications

If you’ve been exposed to someone who has chickenpox but don’t have symptoms yet, your doctor may give you an injection of a treatment called immunoglobulin. It can help prevent severe chickenpox. Your doctor may consider this therapy if you’re:

• Pregnant
• A smoker
• Living with HIV
• Having chemotherapy (“chemo”) or taking high doses of steroid medication

Newborn babies under 4 weeks old are also at increased risk for complications from chickenpox.

If you’re at risk for severe chickenpox and already have symptoms, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication called acyclovir. It can help to make your symptoms less severe. You’ll take the first dose within 24 hours of developing the rash. Then you’ll take a tablet 5 times a day for 7 days.

Other Methods of Treatment

Chickenpox generally resolves within a week or two without treatment. There is no cure, but a vaccine can prevent it.

A doctor may prescribe medication or advise on how to reduce symptoms of itchiness and discomfort, and also on how to prevent the infection from spreading to other people.

Pain or fever: Tylenol (acetaminophen), which is available to purchase online, may help with symptoms of high temperature and pain. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Aspirin containing products should NOT be used for chickenpox as this can lead to complications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used at any time during pregnancy.

Avoiding dehydration: It is important to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to prevent dehydration. Some doctors recommend sugar-free Popsicle or Pediatric for children who are not drinking enough.

Mouth soreness: Sugar-free Popsicle help ease symptoms of soreness if there are spots in the mouth. Salty or spicy foods should be avoided. If chewing is painful, soup might be a good option, but it should not be too hot.

Antiviral medication may be prescribed during pregnancy, for adults who get an early diagnosis, in newborns, and for those with a weakened immune system. Acyclovir is one example.

This works best if it is given within 24 hours of developing symptoms. Acyclovir reduces the severity of symptoms but does not cure the disease.