How is chickenpox treated?

Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The symptoms of chickenpox often present no symptoms in infants and toddlers, but they may experience low fever, irritability, and reluctance to breastfeed. Simultaneously, a rash appears. In older children and adults, symptoms can include low fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and loss of appetite, followed by the appearance of a rash after one to two days. The rash first appears on the torso and then spreads to the face and limbs. Since chickenpox rash typically appears in batches, at the same site one may see maculopapular rashes, vesicles, and scabs. About a week later, the scabs fall off, generally leaving no scars. However, secondary bacterial infections of the rash can occur, leading to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves itself in about ten days.

Treatment of chickenpox involves isolating the patient until all the blisters have completely scabbed over. During the fever phase, bed rest is recommended, along with easily digestible food and adequate hydration. Skin care should be emphasized to prevent infection. Early antiviral treatment can be effective, particularly if administered within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash, as it can help control the rash's progression and accelerate recovery. In cases of secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used. If encephalitis leads to cerebral edema, dehydration treatment should be administered. The use of corticosteroids is not advisable for chickenpox as they can cause the disease to spread.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to determine if it is chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious, spreading through contact with one another. Generally, the initial symptoms of chickenpox appear as small blisters on the body, which tend to increase in number within a day or two. Some blisters may burst or erode, particularly on the scalp, and are often accompanied by feverish symptoms. The natural course of the disease is about a week, and mild cases can recover spontaneously within a week. It is recommended that if diagnosed with chickenpox, antiviral medication should be administered and isolation should be practiced to avoid contact with children or older adults with weakened immune systems. Generally, treatment for about a week can lead to recovery.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Precautions for Children with Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, which is more common in children but can also occur in adults. The peak season for this illness is spring. Therefore, after children contract chickenpox, it is crucial to isolate them to prevent contact with other children or the elderly, as it can spread to others quickly. Typically, conventional antiviral medications are sufficient for treatment. If fever occurs, it is advisable to take some fever-reducing medications appropriately. It is also recommended to have a light diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water. Adequate rest is important, and if small blisters appear on the body, avoid scratching them to prevent infection and more severe symptoms. Generally, this disease confers lifelong immunity, meaning there is no recurrence after the initial episode.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever is usually mild and may be accompanied by chills, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for one to two days, followed by the appearance of a rash. The rash first appears on the trunk, then on the head and face, with the limbs being relatively less affected. Initially, the rash starts as red maculopapular lesions, which turn into vesicles within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches. The same area can show maculopapular lesions, vesicles, and crusts. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves on its own in about ten days. However, complications such as secondary bacterial infections of the rash, pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis can occur, potentially worsening the condition.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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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.