Chickenpox  Symptoms, Causes , Diagnosis and Unknown Facts
Chickenpox is a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.


What is Chickenpox ?



Chickenpox is a viral infection and is highly contagious. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Chickenpox primarily occurs in children under 10 years of age but can affect the adults as well. The disease can be severe in adults. It causes different of skin eruption described as ‘pleomorphic rash’, besides itching, tiredness and fever.





Chickenpox Symptoms



It includes:

  • Rashes first appearing on the body then spreading to face, arms and legs
  • Itching
  • Sudden fever which can be mild to moderate
  • Back pain
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling of un-wellness (Malaise)



Chickenpox Causes



Chickenpox spreads from infected person to non-infected person (contagious disease). The virus spreads through coughing or sneezing of infected person. It can also be spread by touching the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters.

It usually takes about 10-21 days after the contact with an infected person to show the symptoms. This is called incubation period.



Chickenpox Diagnosis


Chickenpox can be diagnosed with classical symptoms. However, Microscopic examination of the skin lesion can be done for laboratory confirmation of the disease.



Chickenpox Prevention


Vaccination is the safest way to prevent chickenpox. It should be administered to the children less than 13 years. First dose is administered during 12-15 months and the second dose is in between 4-6 years.

Vaccine is recommended by Indian Association of Pediatrics (IAP). However, it is not available in the public health distribution system.