The document discusses chicken pox, a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is characterized by an itchy rash of small blisters appearing in crops all over the skin. The virus is spread through direct contact with the fluid from skin eruptions or through the air from an infected person's nose or throat. While chicken pox is usually mild and self-limiting in children, it can be more serious in adults and those with weakened immune systems. Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, and a vaccine is available to prevent infection.

1. Chicken Pox :
Viral disease,
characterized by
extremely itchy blisters
all over the skin
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2. What is Chicken Pox?
Wide spread skin rash characterized by small blisters on red
background that appear in crops and is often preceded by low
grade fever could be chickenpox.
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3. How does one get infected?
Chicken Pox is aahighly contagious viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus
Chicken Pox is highly contagious viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus
The virus is shed into the environment
from nose and skin eruptions
The patient can spread infection till
the last blister has dried or crusted
More number of cases occur during the change of season and in winter in
in northern parts of India
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4. Diagnosis
Typical eruption (like rain drops
on rosy back ground) appearing
on bathing trunk area and face in
younger age group during winter
or change of season indicate
chicken pox
Doctors may advice/undertake certain tests in difficult to diagnose cases.
These tests include examination of:
• Blister fluid biopsy ( cutting of skin with blister)
• Blood test
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5. Treatment
Doctor – In particular Dermatologist
should be consulted for treatment
If chicken pox appears in adults
especially those with decreased body
resistance due to other diseases/
drugs medical advice should be
sought as early as possible
In children no particular treatment may be required as the disease is mostly benign
and self limiting with blisters drying in 7-10 days
Once chicken pox occurs, the virus usually remains dormant in the body for lifetime.
Once chicken pox occurs, the virus usually remains dormant in the body for lifetime.
However, 1 in 10 adults and older persons may see late reoccurrence in form of
However, 1 in 10 adults and older persons may see late reoccurrence in form of
pain, often severe and closely packed blisters on red skin in one segment of either
pain, often severe and closely packed blisters on red skin in one segment of either
half of the body. This condition is known as Herpes Zoster.
half of the body. This condition is known as Herpes Zoster.
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6. Prevention
Vaccine
• Varicella vaccine is now available for
Stopping the spread of infection
Stopping the spread of infection
protection against chickenpox. To
children under 12 years, two doses of Stay at home while infectious
Stay at home while infectious
the vaccine are given 3 months apart.
Cut the nails short or wear gloves to
Cut the nails short or wear gloves to
• Like wise for older children and adults,
prevent scratching and minimize
prevent scratching and minimize
who never had any exposure to
risk of secondary infections
risk of secondary infections
patients of chickenpox, two doses of
vaccine injected at 4 week’s interval are Wash soiled clothes, bedding,
Wash soiled clothes, bedding,
sufficient. towels etc. separately in hot water
towels etc. separately in hot water
and dry in direct sunlight
and dry in direct sunlight
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7. Disclaimer : The intent of the information provided
by Right Doctor is to increase public awareness and
should not be treated as a medical advice. A
general physician/dermatologist should be
consulted for proper medical guidance
© 2012 Right Doctor