Chickenpox: Etiology, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Etiology
Mode of Transmission
Sign/ symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Prevention
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for chickenpox and is one of the most contagious viruses globally that is only found in humans. Additionally, it is responsible for herpes zoster, more often referred to as shingles. Although the illness is most frequent in children, it has been recorded in adults (Rodriguez-Santana et al., 2019). Initially, nothing was known about the varicella virus’s history, as most studies conducted in the 18th century classified smallpox and chickenpox as severe and moderate forms of the same disease. The two were not separated until the early 20th century, after studying the virus’s immunological and historical characteristics. Although most cases are minor or self-limiting, severe effects are prevalent among teenagers, pregnant women, grownups, and people with weakened immune systems.

Etiology

The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox; it enters the body and multiplies for fifteen to twenty days before appearing externally (Rodriguez-Santana et al., 2019). Certain diseases go dormant when they invade the peripheral nerves.

Mode of Transmission

Chickenpox is a highly communicable condition that may be spread by direct contact with an affected individual. As with flu, the disease can also be transferred through the air in scenarios such as coughing or sneezing (airborne). It can also be transferred indirectly through materials contaminated with secretions from infected people’s vesicles and mucous membranes. When a healthy individual is exposed to vesicle fluids containing the varicella virus, they are incredibly likely to get the illness (Pogorzelska et al., 2019). Chickenpox is contagious starting a day or more before the first rash appears and continues to be communicable until all sores have scabbed and vanished.

Chickenpox can potentially be transmitted during pregnancy. While most women of reproductive age are resistant to chickenpox, a tiny number remain at risk (Rodriguez-Santana et al., 2019). If a woman contracts chickenpox between five days before and two days after delivery, the infant is likely to be infected and exhibit a rash between 5 and 15 days after birth. This condition demands immediate care, or the infant may die. If a pregnant woman gets a rash between eight and eighteen days before birth, the baby is at low risk of infection.

Sign/ symptoms

Once within the host, the virus replicates and spreads; this often manifests as a rash across the scalp and torso. Chickenpox patches often appear in clusters and are tiny, red, and irritating. They then develop into liquid-filled blisters that eventually dry out and create scabs. Based on the intensity of the illness, the rashes may spread to other places of the body. The number of rashes will vary according to the patient’s age and whether or not they have been inoculated against chickenpox. Chickenpox symptoms begin long before the first rash emerges (Rodriguez-Santana et al., 2019). They include a general sense of unwellness and exhaustion, a headache, a sore throat, a fever, itching, enlarged lymph nodes, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Additional symptoms may include breathing difficulty and hurting red blisters. An infected person may experience signs for several days before developing spots; chickenpox patches are incredibly itchy.

Diagnosis

Doctors often diagnose chickenpox depending on the appearance of the rash. Generally, the diagnosis is obtained based on the presentation of the rash and account of exposure. If there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis, lab tests such as blood tests or cultures of wound samples can be used to confirm chickenpox (Pogorzelska et al., 2019). The most sensitive way to verify a varicella diagnosis is to perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on skin lesions to identify the varicella-zoster virus (scabs, cysts, maculopapular wounds).

Treatment

There is no treatment for chickenpox, and the virus often resolves independently. However, some measures may be taken to lessen the seriousness of the illness and related symptoms, as well as to halt the transmission of the virus. Immunization, analgesics, hydration, immunoglobulin therapy, isolation, and reasonable care are some effective measures (Pogorzelska et al., 2019). The varicella vaccination is an injection that assists the body in developing immunity to the virus varicella-zoster. This vaccine is often given two times to young children and aims to reduce problems associated with illness as well as the risk of disease dissemination. All children should receive chickenpox vaccinations at the prescribed age by the health department.

A moderate painkiller such as panadol can be used to treat a fever in a child or diseased individual. These medications are readily available at pharmacies; however, it is always prudent to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Certain pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, have been known to induce skin problems and are thus not encouraged (Rodriguez-Santana et al., 2019). Other analgesics may have severe effects, particularly on pregnant women, and caution should be used. No aspirin should be given during a chickenpox outbreak since it has been shown to cause more severe consequences.

Chickenpox patients should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, including children and adults. Additionally, it is essential to avoid foods and beverages that might irritate the tongue. Water and soups are easily swallowed and may provide relief for a sore mouth with chickenpox patches. Immunoglobulin is a combination of antibodies often obtained from a healthy individual and administered to a patient with a weakened immune system, mainly via a drip. Immunoglobulin is a serum that carries antibodies against the chickenpox virus (Holland & Sadarangani, 2020). It is meant to provide additional protection against chickenpox for those at a greater risk of exposure to the virus.

Individuals diagnosed with chickenpox should get appropriate care; although modest, it generates a variety of discomforts. It is critical not to touch the afflicted areas to avoid scarring, even though it may be irritating (Holland & Sadarangani, 2020). Calamine lotions or cooling jellies have been shown to alleviate the itchy impact, although it is prudent to obtain expert guidance on the appropriate application method. Additionally, it is advisable to dress comfortably to reduce scarring and pain.

Complications

Chickenpox is a less severe illness that usually resolves within 2 to 3 weeks. When the body is infected, it creates antibodies to combat the infection. As a result, the illness spreads rapidly, whereas certain viruses may remain latent in the bodily system. The body subsequently develops resistance to further invasion by the varicella virus, which explains why most people only acquire chickenpox once in their lifetime, even though a few isolated cases of repeated infections exist. Consequently, chickenpox is rarely severe, and most infected individuals heal without seeing a doctor or taking any medicine, particularly among youngsters (Rodriguez-Santana et al., 2019). Chickenpox complications are uncommon in healthy youngsters. They may include bacteria infecting blisters, causing the skin surrounding the lesion to grow red and painful, nausea, and a fever. Adults, pregnant women, infants under four weeks of age, and persons with compromised immune systems are also at an increased risk of developing complications from chickenpox.

Prevention

Isolation is one approach for preventing or controlling the transmission of the varicella-zoster virus. A youngster who is infected should be segregated from other uninfected children. For example, such a youngster should attend school or childcare until the scabs have healed to avoid spreading the virus. Sharing some objects, such as clothing, that may contribute to the transmission of the virus should be avoided (Holland & Sadarangani, 2020). The most effective method of preventing chickenpox is to receive the chickenpox vaccination. Everyone should receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine, including youngsters, adolescents, and grownups, if they have never suffered chickenpox or were not immunized.

The chickenpox vaccination is exceptionally harmless and efficient against the disease. The vaccination guards the majority of people against chickenpox (Holland & Sadarangani, 2020). If a vaccinated person contracts chickenpox, their symptoms are often milder, with a few or no lesions (they may only have red patches) and a low or no feverishness. Nearly all incidences of the serious disease are averted with the chickenpox vaccine. From the time the varicella immunization program started in the US, chickenpox incidences, hospitalizations, and fatalities have decreased by more than 90%.

Conclusion

The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox; while the illness is most common in children, it has been documented in adults. While the majority of cases are minor or self-limiting, adverse effects are more common in teenagers, pregnant women, adults, and others with weakened immune systems. Chickenpox is a highly communicable disease transmitted through contact with an infected individual. Its symptoms include general malaise and exhaustion, a headache, a sore throat, a fever, itchiness, enlarged lymph nodes, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Chickenpox patients, both children and adults, should consume adequate fluids to avoid dehydration. Isolation is one method of preventing or controlling varicella-zoster virus transmission. Chickenpox vaccination is extraordinarily harmless and effective in preventing infection.

References

Holland, C., & Sadarangani, M. (2020). Fifteen-minute consultation: Prevention and treatment of chickenpox in newborns. Archives of Disease in Childhood-Education and Practice, 105(1), 24-30. Web.

Pogorzelska, K., Sawicka-Żukowska, M., Kania, A., & Krawczuk-Rybak, M. (2019). The impact of primary varicella-zoster virus infection on delay in diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic diseases in children–case reports. Pediatria Polska-Polish Journal of Paediatrics, 94(6), 388-392.

Rodriguez-Santana, Y., Sanchez-Almeida, E., Garcia-Vera, C., Garcia-Ventura, M., & Martinez-Espligares, L. (2019). Epidemiological and clinical characteristics and the approach to infant chickenpox in primary care. European Journal of Pediatrics, 178(5), 641-648. Web.

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