Measles

Understanding

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. That is why this disease is also known as varicella. Like other diseases that are also caused by viruses, chickenpox can heal by itself (self limiting disease).

Chicken pox generally affects children under the age of 10 years. However, in some cases, this disease can also be suffered by adults. Even in adults, the symptoms tend to be more severe than sufferers of children.

Usually, one will only suffer from chickenpox once in his life. However, it does not rule out the possibility that you can be affected more than once. But actually when that happens, the attack is no longer chicken pox but shingles or chicken pox.

The hallmark of chickenpox is the appearance of a reddish nodule filled with fluid and itching. After a few days, the pimples will dry out and peel off. Spots of chickenpox usually appear on the face, back, scalp, chest, abdomen, arms, and legs.

Diagnosis

The process of diagnosing chickenpox does not have to pass a blood test or examination. Diagnosis can be made by looking at a person's clinical symptoms. For pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, you should immediately consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of chickenpox. The chickenpox virus in pregnant women can affect the fetus it contains and cause abnormalities in babies at birth. Rapid and precise diagnosis and treatment will reduce the risk of complications.

Doctors can also do blood tests to ensure chickenpox. Laboratory tests to support the diagnosis of varicella are Ig G Elisa varicella viruses. If your body has chickenpox virus antibodies, you are protected from the disease.

Symptoms

There are several symptoms of chickenpox. The main symptom that you can recognize is a fever followed by the appearance of a red rash. This red rash will turn into a fluid-filled nodule with easily recognizable shapes and textures. The condition is usually accompanied by other symptoms - such as muscle aches and headaches.

After a red rash appears, you will feel itchy. Know that not all people with chickenpox experience the same rash symptoms. Some experience it all over the body (up to the area of ​​the mouth, ears, and buttocks). But there are also only certain parts of the body - such as the scalp, face, arms and legs.

The following are the stages of red rash changes:

• The rash turns into a nodule and feels itchy
• Spots are usually fluid, thin-walled, and fragile
• After a few days, the nodule will dry out and peel off by itself

Spots usually do not appear simultaneously. Likewise, when drying and peeling. There could be a nodule that dries and peels but in other parts there is still a dry one. Let the nodules rupture themselves. If you solve it, the risk of secondary infection becomes greater.

The itching that arises from a chicken pox nodule often makes the sufferer unable to stand it. But you must be able to refrain from scratching it. Because scratching on a nodule can make the skin infection or trigger the appearance of scarring (scar) after you recover.

For sufferers of adolescence and adulthood, symptoms usually appear more severe than in children. Adults who suffer from chickenpox also have a higher risk of complications. If you are over 12 years old, are pregnant, or have a weak immune system, you should immediately consult a doctor to get proper treatment and can prevent complications.

Is it dangerous chicken pox? This disease is often considered as not life threatening. But there are some people with chickenpox who experience more severe conditions. In some cases, complications can occur such as difficulty breathing, the skin around the nodule feels red and symptoms of infection appear. In addition, symptoms of dehydration can also occur such as dry mouth and rarely urinating. So never underestimate it.

Treatment

Handling of chickenpox depends on several conditions, including:

• Age
• Overall health
• Duration of exposure to viruses
• The severity of symptoms that appear

Generally, people with chickenpox only need treatment at home. The thing to consider is adequate rest and making efforts to increase the immune system. The trick is to eat foods with balanced nutrition. In addition, it is also necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the skin by continuing to bathe and dry the body slowly using a towel.

The treatment of chickenpox is generally aimed at relieving symptoms and maintaining clean skin to avoid secondary infections. As for reducing itching in chickenpox nodules, you can apply calamine lotion or take antihistamine drugs. But make sure you have consulted a doctor before giving antihistamines to children.

Monitor fever that appears when you are having chickenpox. Fever is a normal reaction of the body when an infection occurs. High body temperature can kill bacteria and viruses that cause illness. You should only take fever-lowering drugs if you feel uncomfortable.

Next, make sure you treat carefully chicken pox to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Steps that can be taken include:

• Clean the skin with soft water and soap
• Always keep your hands clean by regularly washing them
• Cut the nails so they don't hurt the skin when accidentally scratching
• Keep clothes dry and clean

To prevent the spread of chickenpox, do not move outdoors before all the pimples dry and peel off. Usually this takes about 10 days after the first symptoms appear. Avoid contact with those who have not been protected by chickenpox vaccination.

Cause

The cause of chickenpox or varicella simplex is the varicella zoster virus. This virus can spread easily and quickly. This disease is spread by aeorogen or by air. Chickenpox transmission can occur through:

• Direct contact with sufferers
• Affected by the patient's body fluids through sneezing or coughing
• Hold items previously in contact with the sufferer, such as dirty sheets or clothes

When to watch out for chicken pox? The time to watch out for is 1-2 days before the red rash appears 7 days later or until the nodule is completely dry and peeling.

The following are factors that can increase your risk of getting chickenpox:

• Never been hit by chicken pox
• Not getting chickenpox vaccination, especially pregnant women
• In one room with people with chickenpox for more than 1 hour
• Has a weak immune system
• One house with children under 10 years old