Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by a virus called varicella zoster. It is usually mild but may be severe for those who have impaired immune system .This disease can spread through air or even direct contact .Symptoms usually go away without treatment, but because the infection is very contagious, an infected child should stay home and rest until the symptoms are gone.

 

Symptoms of Chickenpox

• red, itchy rash on the skin
• rash begins as multiple small, red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites
• rash may be more extensive or severe in kids who have skin disorders such as eczema.
• fever, abdominal pain
• sore throat, headache, or a vague sick feeling a day or 2 before the rash appears.
• develop serious bacterial infections involving the skin, lungs, bones, joints, and the brain
• develop complications, most commonly a skin infection near the blisters.

a girl affected with chickenpox

Chicken pox is contagious from 2 days the rashes start to appear and lasts till the blisters pop .The person affected with chicken poxshould be kept in total isolation and the family menmbers should avoid contact with thepatient's personal belongings.A child infected with chicken pox should not be sent to school to prevent the spread of the disease. The child should be sent to school only after the blisters have dried, after seeking advise of an qualified doctor.To help keep the virus from spreading, make sure your kids wash their hands frequently, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom.

Pregnant women and any one impaired immune system should be away from chicken pox patients.there are risks of defects of foetusif the mother has not been affected by chicken pox in her previous years.

red blisters visible on a girl's feet during chicken pox.