Chicken Pox Information
Chicken Pox Information manifests with an eruption of well-formed tense vesicles, which on the first day may be only a few but increase in number within the next few days to become generalised. Each vesicle is characteristically surrounded by a small zone of redness and there is a tendency for the vesicles to be concentrated on the trunk, rather than the face or the extremities. The fever on the first day is usually mild and is often ignored by the patient. The vesicles as a rule remain small and discrete and do not merge with each other. The eruption generally subsides within seven to 10days, even without any treatment; the lesions get crusted and the crusts fall off without leaving any permanent marks. In some patients however, the lesions leave behind hyperpigmented areas which too disappear in due course. Sometimes, the lesions get super-infected with pyogenic organisms which leave behind circular pitted scars.
Treatment
For treabnent, as a rule nothing is required because the disease is self-limiting and the lesions disappear within a week or so. One attack of chicken-pox usually leaves behind lifelong immunity. It is however, important that no such medicine should be administered during this period which can interfere with the development of lifelong immunity. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive/ anti-cancer drugs are totally prohibited. The only drugs which can be given
during this period are those necessary to prevent high fever (mild fever should be left alone) or anti-histamines to control the itching, if it is severe. Oral antibiotics may be used during the later period if there is any evidence or risk of superinfection. This is especially useful for preventing permanent
scars.
If the patient has any indication of immune deficiency or if there is a risk of the chicken-pox becoming extensive, a course of the anti-viral drug (Acyclovir) is necessary.
There are no other special precautions required except that there is risk of the infection spreading to other persons who are in close proximity to the patient. Individuals who have suffered from chicken-pox in the past and acquired sufficient immunity against this virus do not need any protection but those who have not yet suffered from chickenpox, especially the children, or those who have not acquired adequate immunity during the previous infection, are likely to acquire the infection from the patient. These individuals therefore, should preferably keep away from the patient. Selective isolation of the patient therefore, is mandatory. The isolation has to be continued till all the crusts from the skin fall off. In a hospital situation, the other patients who are being treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs must be kept away from the chicken-pox patient.
Bathing may be avoided if the patient has high fever and the use of topical applications may be limited to soothing applications (calamine lotion), if there is itching. An antiinfective lotion/ ointment may be applied for superadded infection; sponging of the patient may be undertaken in place of bathing and bathing may be permitted if the patient feels like having a bath.
Filed under: Diseases & Conditions