Chickenpox

Chickenpox, also known as Varicella, is a highly communicable viral disease and a member of the herpes family.

You can contract chickenpox at any age, however it usually affects children. Once you've had chickenpox you are usually immune to it. If you have contracted chickenpox you might suffer from a slight fever and cold like symptoms. You might not know you have the disease until a red rash shows up on your face, trunk, scalp, or in your mouth. You may then notice splotches on your arms and legs soon after.

Chickenpox rash typically starts out in red spots, then turns into blisters and ends up in scabs. The rash is itchy and skin might begin to itch before the rash shows up. Never scratch chickenpox as it can lead to an infection or possible scarring. When your scabs have healed they might be replaced by red spots; which should disappear in a few weeks.

Chicken pox is usually spread from person to person through contact and secretions of the respiratory tract; which occur with coughing and sneezing. The disease is usually contagious one to two days before the onset of the rash and may stay contagious until all of the blisters have dried and become scabs. After being exposed to chicken pox it could take up to three weeks before the rash appears. This could make it difficult to tell when and where you contracted the disease.

Chicken pox can sometimes cause various birth defects including hearing loss if it is contracted during pregnancy. Chickenpox can even cause fetal death if the disease is present within four days before childbirth. However, pregnant women shouldn't receive a chicken pox vaccination as it could lead to more trouble.

Even though young adults are less likely to contract chicken pox compared to children, serious complications such as hearing loss are usually much higher. Other symptoms of the illness can include severe chest pain, labored breathing, coughing up blood, severe headaches, drowsiness and vomiting.

If you have any of the symptoms of chicken pox you should see a doctor and he or she will likely prescribe a medicine for your pain, rash and fever. Aspirin should be avoided by those with chickenpox. To make sure you don't spread the illness you should stay home until the contagious period has passed and avoid contact with people who haven't had chicken pox. Make sure you don't share any items with others and wash your laundry with hot water and a strong detergent. The best way to prevent chicken pox is to be immunized for it.