Chickenpox: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition (new) | {{Infobox medical condition (new) | ||
| name = Chickenpox | | name = Chickenpox | ||
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| deaths = ~6,400 per year globally (including from [[shingles]]) | | deaths = ~6,400 per year globally (including from [[shingles]]) | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[File:Chickenpox blister.jpg|left|thumb|A single blister, typical during the early stages of the rash]] | |||
[[File:Chickenpox blister.jpg|thumb|A single blister, typical during the early stages of the rash]] | [[File:Chickenpox.png|left|thumb|Chickenpox]] | ||
[[File:Chickenpox.png|thumb|Chickenpox]] | |||
'''Chickenpox''' (also known as '''varicella''') is a highly contagious [[viral infection]] caused by the [[varicella-zoster virus]] (VZV). It is characterized by an itchy [[skin rash]], [[blister]]s, and [[fever]]. The infection is typically mild in [[children]] but can be more severe in [[adults]] and people with [[weakened immune systems]]. Chickenpox is preventable through [[vaccination]]. | '''Chickenpox''' (also known as '''varicella''') is a highly contagious [[viral infection]] caused by the [[varicella-zoster virus]] (VZV). It is characterized by an itchy [[skin rash]], [[blister]]s, and [[fever]]. The infection is typically mild in [[children]] but can be more severe in [[adults]] and people with [[weakened immune systems]]. Chickenpox is preventable through [[vaccination]]. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Chickenpox generally begins with flu-like symptoms, such as: | Chickenpox generally begins with flu-like symptoms, such as: | ||
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* [[Sore throat]] | * [[Sore throat]] | ||
* [[Swollen lymph nodes]] | * [[Swollen lymph nodes]] | ||
These are followed by a distinctive rash, which: | These are followed by a distinctive rash, which: | ||
* Starts as small, red, itchy spots | * Starts as small, red, itchy spots | ||
* Progresses to fluid-filled [[blisters]] | * Progresses to fluid-filled [[blisters]] | ||
* Scabs over within a few days | * Scabs over within a few days | ||
The rash often starts on the [[face]], [[chest]], and [[back]], spreading across the body. | The rash often starts on the [[face]], [[chest]], and [[back]], spreading across the body. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Chickenpox is caused by the [[varicella-zoster virus]], a member of the [[herpesvirus]] family. It spreads via: | Chickenpox is caused by the [[varicella-zoster virus]], a member of the [[herpesvirus]] family. It spreads via: | ||
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* Airborne droplets from [[cough]]s or [[sneeze]]s | * Airborne droplets from [[cough]]s or [[sneeze]]s | ||
* Contact with contaminated [[surfaces]] | * Contact with contaminated [[surfaces]] | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms, especially the characteristic [[rash]]. In uncertain cases, laboratory tests such as: | Diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms, especially the characteristic [[rash]]. In uncertain cases, laboratory tests such as: | ||
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* [[Polymerase chain reaction|PCR]] tests | * [[Polymerase chain reaction|PCR]] tests | ||
* Swabs of skin lesions | * Swabs of skin lesions | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment focuses on symptom relief. Most cases resolve without complications. Common approaches include: | Treatment focuses on symptom relief. Most cases resolve without complications. Common approaches include: | ||
=== Medications === | === Medications === | ||
* [[Antiviral drug]]s (e.g., [[acyclovir]]) for high-risk individuals | * [[Antiviral drug]]s (e.g., [[acyclovir]]) for high-risk individuals | ||
* [[Antihistamines]] to reduce itching | * [[Antihistamines]] to reduce itching | ||
* [[Acetaminophen]] or [[ibuprofen]] to reduce fever (aspirin should be avoided due to risk of [[Reye's syndrome]]) | * [[Acetaminophen]] or [[ibuprofen]] to reduce fever (aspirin should be avoided due to risk of [[Reye's syndrome]]) | ||
=== Home care === | === Home care === | ||
* Cool baths or wet compresses | * Cool baths or wet compresses | ||
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* Short, clean fingernails to prevent scratching | * Short, clean fingernails to prevent scratching | ||
* Loose-fitting clothing | * Loose-fitting clothing | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention is mainly through vaccination: | Prevention is mainly through vaccination: | ||
* Two doses of the [[chickenpox vaccine]] (varicella vaccine) | * Two doses of the [[chickenpox vaccine]] (varicella vaccine) | ||
* First dose: 12–15 months | * First dose: 12–15 months | ||
* Second dose: 4–6 years | * Second dose: 4–6 years | ||
Other preventive measures: | Other preventive measures: | ||
* Good hand hygiene | * Good hand hygiene | ||
* Avoiding contact with infected individuals | * Avoiding contact with infected individuals | ||
== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
While typically mild, chickenpox can cause serious complications, especially in: | While typically mild, chickenpox can cause serious complications, especially in: | ||
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* [[Newborns]] | * [[Newborns]] | ||
* [[Immunocompromised]] individuals | * [[Immunocompromised]] individuals | ||
Potential complications include: | Potential complications include: | ||
* [[Bacterial skin infection]]s | * [[Bacterial skin infection]]s | ||
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* [[Sepsis]] | * [[Sepsis]] | ||
* [[Reye's syndrome]] (linked to aspirin use) | * [[Reye's syndrome]] (linked to aspirin use) | ||
== Shingles and Immunity == | == Shingles and Immunity == | ||
After recovery, the virus becomes dormant in [[nerve cells]]. It may reactivate later in life as [[shingles]] (herpes zoster), causing a painful rash. Individuals typically gain lifelong immunity to chickenpox after infection. | After recovery, the virus becomes dormant in [[nerve cells]]. It may reactivate later in life as [[shingles]] (herpes zoster), causing a painful rash. Individuals typically gain lifelong immunity to chickenpox after infection. | ||
== Post-exposure Prophylaxis == | == Post-exposure Prophylaxis == | ||
For exposed individuals at high risk, options include: | For exposed individuals at high risk, options include: | ||
* Varicella vaccine (within 3–5 days of exposure) | * Varicella vaccine (within 3–5 days of exposure) | ||
* [[Varicella-zoster immune globulin]] (VZIG) for immunocompromised patients | * [[Varicella-zoster immune globulin]] (VZIG) for immunocompromised patients | ||
== Public Health and Global Impact == | == Public Health and Global Impact == | ||
Chickenpox remains common in countries without widespread vaccination programs. In high-income countries, routine immunization has dramatically reduced incidence and complications. | Chickenpox remains common in countries without widespread vaccination programs. In high-income countries, routine immunization has dramatically reduced incidence and complications. | ||
== School and Travel Considerations == | == School and Travel Considerations == | ||
Many schools require documentation of chickenpox immunity. During outbreaks, unvaccinated students may be excluded temporarily. Travelers should confirm their immunity status before visiting high-risk areas. | Many schools require documentation of chickenpox immunity. During outbreaks, unvaccinated students may be excluded temporarily. Travelers should confirm their immunity status before visiting high-risk areas. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Varicella zoster virus]] | * [[Varicella zoster virus]] | ||
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* [[Childhood infectious diseases]] | * [[Childhood infectious diseases]] | ||
* [[Vaccination]] | * [[Vaccination]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{Portal bar|Medicine|Viruses}} | {{Portal bar|Medicine|Viruses}} | ||
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{{Viral cutaneous conditions}} | {{Viral cutaneous conditions}} | ||
{{Varicella zoster}} | {{Varicella zoster}} | ||
[[Category:Chickenpox]] | [[Category:Chickenpox]] | ||
[[Category:Pediatrics]] | [[Category:Pediatrics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:35, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Chickenpox | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Varicella |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Field | Infectious disease, Dermatology, Pediatrics |
| Symptoms | Small, itchy blisters, rash, fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite |
| Complications | Skin infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, Reye's syndrome, scarring, shingles |
| Onset | 10–21 days after exposure |
| Duration | 5–10 days |
| Types | Primary varicella (chickenpox), Secondary reactivation (shingles) |
| Causes | Varicella zoster virus |
| Risks | Immunodeficiency, pregnancy, infancy, adult age, lack of vaccination |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serology |
| Differential diagnosis | Smallpox, measles, insect bites, impetigo, herpes simplex |
| Prevention | Varicella vaccine, herd immunity |
| Treatment | Supportive care, symptom management, antiviral therapy in severe cases |
| Medication | Paracetamol (acetaminophen), calamine lotion, acyclovir, antihistamines |
| Prognosis | Excellent in healthy children; risk of complications in adults and immunocompromised |
| Frequency | Common in unvaccinated populations; incidence reduced in countries with routine vaccination |
| Deaths | ~6,400 per year globally (including from shingles) |
Chickenpox (also known as varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is characterized by an itchy skin rash, blisters, and fever. The infection is typically mild in children but can be more severe in adults and people with weakened immune systems. Chickenpox is preventable through vaccination.
Symptoms[edit]
Chickenpox generally begins with flu-like symptoms, such as:
These are followed by a distinctive rash, which:
- Starts as small, red, itchy spots
- Progresses to fluid-filled blisters
- Scabs over within a few days
The rash often starts on the face, chest, and back, spreading across the body.
Causes[edit]
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpesvirus family. It spreads via:
- Direct contact with blister fluid
- Airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes
- Contact with contaminated surfaces
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms, especially the characteristic rash. In uncertain cases, laboratory tests such as:
- Blood tests
- PCR tests
- Swabs of skin lesions
Treatment[edit]
Treatment focuses on symptom relief. Most cases resolve without complications. Common approaches include:
Medications[edit]
- Antiviral drugs (e.g., acyclovir) for high-risk individuals
- Antihistamines to reduce itching
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever (aspirin should be avoided due to risk of Reye's syndrome)
Home care[edit]
- Cool baths or wet compresses
- Calamine lotion
- Short, clean fingernails to prevent scratching
- Loose-fitting clothing
Prevention[edit]
Prevention is mainly through vaccination:
- Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine (varicella vaccine)
- First dose: 12–15 months
- Second dose: 4–6 years
Other preventive measures:
- Good hand hygiene
- Avoiding contact with infected individuals
Complications[edit]
While typically mild, chickenpox can cause serious complications, especially in:
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- Immunocompromised individuals
Potential complications include:
- Bacterial skin infections
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis
- Dehydration
- Sepsis
- Reye's syndrome (linked to aspirin use)
Shingles and Immunity[edit]
After recovery, the virus becomes dormant in nerve cells. It may reactivate later in life as shingles (herpes zoster), causing a painful rash. Individuals typically gain lifelong immunity to chickenpox after infection.
Post-exposure Prophylaxis[edit]
For exposed individuals at high risk, options include:
- Varicella vaccine (within 3–5 days of exposure)
- Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) for immunocompromised patients
Public Health and Global Impact[edit]
Chickenpox remains common in countries without widespread vaccination programs. In high-income countries, routine immunization has dramatically reduced incidence and complications.
School and Travel Considerations[edit]
Many schools require documentation of chickenpox immunity. During outbreaks, unvaccinated students may be excluded temporarily. Travelers should confirm their immunity status before visiting high-risk areas.
See also[edit]
 | |
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| Diseases of the skin and appendages by morphology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Skin infections, symptoms and signs related to viruses | ||
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| Varicella zoster | ||||||||||
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