What is it?

It is highly contagious and very uncomfortable illness. It lasts from 7 to 10 days and is most contagious in its early stages.

What are the causes?

• Chickenpox is caused by a virus.

Possible symptoms

• The first symptoms may be fever, tiredness and irritability.
• Next comes the eruption of red bumps on the trunk, face, arms and legs.

• These bumps rapidly progress to cloudy blisters that may have areas of redness around them.

Should I see a Doctor?

• In healthy children, chickenpox rarely produces complications but if high fevers persist, consult your child’s pediatrician.

What is the treatment?

• The intense itching produced by this eruption may be somewhat relieved by cool compresses and soothing lotions such as calamine.

Complications may include:

• Scarring
• Pneumonia
• Cellulitis - this is is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. If left untreated the spreading infection can be life threatening. It is characterized by skin that appears swollen and red and that feels hot and tender.
• Febrile seizures
• Ear infections
• High fevers
• Rare instances of septic shock and death
• Also uncommon but possible is encephalitis.

What can I do?

• A vaccine is now available that is highly effective in preventing chickenpox. This vaccine has been shown to have very few side effects and is recommended for young children. In all likelihood the vaccine will eliminate one more trip through the dismal forest of illness for both children and their parents and provide a welcome respite from a most uncomfortable itch!

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