It used to be that everyone had chickenpox and could tell a story of how they caught it, how their parents tried to prevent them from scratching their sores, and the inevitable scars left from dealing with the virus. Today, that has largely changed, but chickenpox does occur from time to time. Integrity Urgent Care can help you know what to be on the lookout for, particularly when you have small children who may not be fully immunized yet.
Symptoms
This virus is marked largely by a rash that can extend all over the body. According to the Center for Disease Control, “the rash may first show up on the chest, back, and face, and then spread over the entire body” and can turn “into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs.” Depending on the patient, they may also feel feverish, tired, or have a headache a few days before the rash appears.
Treatment
Most of the treatment will be at home, trying to avoid scratching any blisters that may appear. Many use calamine lotion to soothe the skin or take oatmeal or baking soda baths. Try to trim your fingernails to make scratching less impactful and to prevent further infection by germs that get caught under the fingernail. Washing hands frequently, especially if scratching an open sore, will prevent further transmission. Do not use aspirin to reduce any fever associated with chickenpox as there have been studies linking further issues with skin infections. Stick with cool baths as much as possible.
Prevention
As more and more children are being routinely vaccinated against chickenpox, it is becoming rarer to see larger scale outbreaks like in generations past. The vaccination is given in two doses, and anyone can get the vaccine, even adults who haven’t been offered the vaccine before and have not had chickenpox. Similarly to other vaccines, if you contract chickenpox, your symptoms should be much milder and your recovery much shorter. If you suspect someone has chickenpox in your close community, it is best to stay away from them and encourage them to isolate until all the sores or lesions have crusted.
