Chickenpox is a common viral skin infection the usually affects children. But adults can contract the virus too, and when it appears in individuals over the age of 15, it is usually more severe.
Chickenpox is highly contagious; if you never had the virus as a child, you could easily catch it from your own child if he or she has been exposed.
The signs and symptoms of chickenpox begin to appear anywhere from 10 days to three weeks after initial exposure to the virus. The symptoms include:
- Mild fever
- General fatigue
- Raised red blisters or itchy rash
Typically, the rash first appears on the scalp and then moves to other areas of the body such as the torso, arms, and legs. The rash is usually quite itchy and can cause quite a bit of discomfort.
Dr. David Perlstein for MedicineNet.com gives several recommendations to treat chickenpox and alleviate some of the discomfort caused by the virus.
Use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce fever and aches. Adults with chickenpox are able to use aspirin; however, it is highly recommended that children with the virus are never given aspirin because of the risk of developing Reye's Syndrome.
- Oatmeal baths can help decrease the itching associated with chickenpox. Additionally, over-the-counter moisturizers or lotions such as calamine can also be effective in alleviating the itch.
- Antihistamines such as Benadryl can help to minimize the itch.
- For more serious cases of chickenpox, prescription medication such as Acyclovir can help shorten the duration of the virus. This treatment is usually reserved for patients who will be at risk for other diseases that may be exacerbated by the chickenpox.
