Chicken Pox is a highly contagious and common viral infectious disease that causes a rash. It is one of the most widespread viral diseases in India. It is mainly caused due to the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), and the disease is also known as "Laghu Masurika". It is most common among children, especially among those aged between 1-10 years. It was once considered as the deadliest disease in India, as it use to cause numerous deaths. However, the disease is quite under control now-a-days, as vaccine has been invented and is being given to the children to prevent chicken pox.
Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease. Most children, who have chicken pox-affected sibling, are likely to get affected by the disease as well. Usually, the symptoms appear about 2 weeks after the first child does. Though, chicken pox is basically a mild illness, it can affect the infants, teens, adults, and people with weak immune systems, more severely.
Causes of Chicken Pox
Apart from the main reason VZV, there are also many other causes behind the development of chicken pox. Age is a major factor and considered as a potential cause of chicken pox. Usually, children aged less than 10 years are more vulnerable to developing chicken pox. The adults, who have a sensitive skin that rash easily, are also likely to get chicken pox. Bubble baths with strong soaps can be another cause behind the development of chicken pox. Weather changes like late winter or early spring is the most common time when the VZV is spread.
Symptoms of Chicken Pox
Chicken pox can be identified through various signs and symptoms. The main symptom of chicken pox is an itchy rash of spots that look like blisters and appear all over the body. The rash may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. The itchy rash usually appears first on the abdomen or back or face and then goes on to spread almost everywhere on the body. It can be found on the scalp, mouth, nose, ears and genitals. In the initial period, the rash appears like multiple small, red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites.
The other symptoms of chicken pox like fever, abdominal pain, sore throat, or a vague sick feeling can be seen in some kids, generally a day or 2 before the rash appears. The symptoms of chicken pox are usually milder and the blisters are fewer among the younger kids, compared to the older children or adults. The symptoms of chicken pox usually disappear without any treatment.
Treatment of Chicken Pox
Chicken pox can be treated following different methods of medication. Apart from the conventional treatment, the alternative therapies like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Herbs, etc. are also used for treatment of chicken pox. The disease is treated through water treatments, different home remedies, aromatherapy, magnetic therapy, etc. as well. The main objective of alternative treatment of chicken pox is to lessen the discomfort and fever caused by chickenpox.
Prevention from Chicken Pox
There are many preventive actions that can be taken to ward off the chance of getting chicken pox. The chicken pox vaccine is given to the children when they are 12 to 15 months old and they are also given a booster shot when they are 4 to 6 years old. The vaccine is available since 1995 and has yielded impressive results in treatment of chicken pox. However, in spite of the vaccine"s incredible success rate, some immunised kids still get chickenpox. However, generally a chicken pox-affected person is advised to stay at home and rest until the symptoms are gone.
