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varicella
What should you pay attention to when you have chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus. Once the disease appears, it is important to isolate oneself, avoid crowded places, and avoid contact with children or elderly people, as they are more susceptible to widespread infection. During treatment, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, rest, avoid spicy or irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late. Since chickenpox causes numerous blisters on the body, it is important to protect the affected areas to prevent secondary infections. Treatment usually involves common antiviral medications and typically lasts about a week. During treatment, it is also important not to bathe and to avoid exposure to cold drafts.
The Difference between Urticaria and Chickenpox in Children
When children develop hives, the rash looks like chickenpox, but these two are completely different diseases. With chickenpox, fever usually occurs after the onset of the disease, and the oral mucosa can also be easily damaged. On the other hand, hives typically appear on the limbs, neck, or buttocks, with noticeable itching that becomes more pronounced at night. The difference between hives and chickenpox lies in their differing causes of infection, which also affects where the symptoms manifest. It is advised that parents pay attention to these differences and treat them accordingly to minimize harm.
Early symptoms of chickenpox
The early symptoms of chickenpox generally include fever, and the rash appears as red papules. Later, it can lead to the development of vesicles. In the initial stage of chickenpox, some precautions need to be taken for children, such as avoiding exposure to wind, keeping children away from crowded places, and ensuring a light and easily digestible diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, tomatoes, bitter melon, etc. Regarding care, the room should be ventilated for two hours every day to ensure fresh air. Since chickenpox is caused by a viral infection, some antiviral traditional Chinese medicines can be administered to the child for treatment.
What fruits can you eat with chickenpox?
When children have chickenpox, they can eat foods and fruits rich in vitamins, such as kiwis, apples, and cherry tomatoes. During chickenpox, it is important to maintain a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding overly greasy and spicy foods. If the chickenpox is particularly itchy, topical calamine lotion can be applied to help relieve itching and prevent scratching, which can lead to infections. It is necessary to treat children with antiviral medications, as chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)
How is chickenpox transmitted?
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, and it can be transmitted in two ways. One way is through the secretion of the nasopharynx, such as contagious droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, or talking, which can infect people nearby. The fluid from the blisters of chickenpox is also contagious. The primary rash of chickenpox consists of blisters, and before these blisters dry up and crust over, touching the fluid from these blisters can also transmit chickenpox. Therefore, patients with chickenpox need to be isolated until the blisters dry and form crusts before quarantine can be lifted.
The contagious period of chickenpox is how many days?
Chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. This disease is quite contagious and is mostly transmitted through the air and respiratory system. The contagious period generally lasts about ten days, but it can vary from person to person, with some patients possibly experiencing a longer duration. Generally, children exhibit milder symptoms and have a shorter treatment period. In adults, the treatment period tends to be longer, typically ending when the symptoms have subsided and the blisters on the body have completely dried and fallen off. Once this disease is contracted, it is essential to isolate and treat it properly using antiviral medications. Children and elderly individuals in the household should avoid frequent contact to prevent transmission. After the onset of chickenpox, high fever may occur, so it is necessary to have some fever-reducing medications on hand to prevent other illnesses caused by the fever.
How is chickenpox treated?
Chickenpox generally has a good prognosis, and does not leave scars after the scabs fall off. Its treatment mainly includes three aspects: First, general and symptomatic treatment. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have scabbed over. Rest in bed during the fever period, consume easily digestible food, and ensure adequate hydration. Enhanced nursing care is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching, which could lead to secondary infections. Second, antiviral treatment. Early use of antiviral medications can be effective. Antiviral treatment within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash can control its progression and speed up recovery. Third, prevention of complications. Antibacterial drugs should be used in cases of secondary bacterial infections. For patients with encephalitis presenting with cerebral hemorrhage, dehydration treatment should be administered. Corticosteroids should not be used in chickenpox.
What are the symptoms and treatments for chickenpox in children?
Symptoms of chickenpox in children vary with age. Infants often show no symptoms or only mild symptoms, which can include mild fever, irritability, and refusal of breast milk, accompanied by a rash. Older children may experience mild fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, coughing, and decreased appetite. These symptoms persist for one to two days before a rash appears. The rash initially appears on the trunk and then spreads to the face and limbs. Chickenpox rashes often emerge in batches, so the same area may show maculopapular lesions, vesicles, and crusts at the same time. The crusts typically fall off about a week later, usually leaving no scars. Secondary bacterial skin infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis are possible complications. In terms of treatment, infected children should be isolated until all the vesicles have crusted over. During the fever, they should rest in bed, consume an easily digestible diet, stay hydrated, and practice enhanced skincare to prevent infection of the vesicles. Antiviral treatment within 24 hours of rash onset can control the progression of the rash and speed up recovery. If a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics should be used. In cases where encephalitis causes cerebral edema, dehydration treatments should be administered. The use of corticosteroids is not advisable for treating chickenpox.
Initial symptoms of chickenpox in children
Chickenpox is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, characterized by a rash. Initially, symptoms resemble those of upper respiratory infections such as coughing, runny nose, mild fever, and decreased appetite. Subsequently, maculopapular rashes appear on the scalp and face, which gradually develop into vesicles. These vesicles contain a clear fluid, surrounded by reddened skin and are accompanied by itching. Therefore, if a child exhibits symptoms of an upper respiratory infection followed by vesicular rash, it is important to seek medical advice promptly to confirm if it is chickenpox. If diagnosed with chickenpox, isolation is necessary to prevent cross-infection.
The difference between papular urticaria and chickenpox
Papular urticaria is a type of red wheal that appears on the body after an allergic reaction, and may be associated with small blisters. It often relates to contact with irritants or insect bites. This condition is not contagious and can be cured in a short time with proper treatment, including the use of anti-allergy medications, although it may recur. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, and is highly contagious, spreading through contact and air between individuals. It generally results in small blisters all over the body, especially on the scalp, and may be accompanied by fever symptoms. Chickenpox usually provides lifelong immunity, meaning that once a person has it, they are unlikely to have it again.