Chickenpox is one of the most common childhood infectious diseases. Learn about the causes of chickenpox in children, symptoms, and treatment methods below.
One day, the family may be surprised by the appearance of a rash consisting of red spots that spread all over the body of their young child and fill it from head to toe.
If your child shows these signs, it means that he has one of the most common childhood infectious diseases, chickenpox.
Therefore, we advise you to read this article, to learn more about chickenpox in children, its causes, symptoms and treatment methods.
What is chickenpox in children?
Chickenpox is a disease transmitted by the varicella zoster virus (Varicella zoster), which is the most contagious virus.
Chickenpox mainly affects children, causing a rash in the form of very itchy red pills that spread rapidly throughout the body, but this does not negate that sometimes it may affect the elderly and adolescents.
It is worth noting that it is a mild disease and usually recovers within about a week, but it can be dangerous in some people such as pregnant women, newborns, and people with weak immunity.
How long is the incubation period for the chickenpox virus?
The incubation period for the virus is 10-23 days, at an average of 14 days. During this period, the virus multiplies in the respiratory system of the infected person, then it is transmitted to the blood, and it spreads in the body, causing a rash.
What is the possible period of infection and chickenpox infection in children?
Infection is possible from 1-2 days before any sign of illness appears until all of the blisters have crusted over, which is 4-5 days after the rash appears.
Chickenpox spreads in the same way as cold and flu, through the respiratory tract.
As it works to form millions of small lets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person sneezes or coughs, and the virus is transmitted when touching the skin pimples that form on the surface of the skin.
It is worth noting that the infection is transmitted very easily from an infected person to a person who has not previously been exposed to it and has not taken the vaccine, and chickenpox infection gives lifelong immunity.
What are the signs of chickenpox in children?
There are several signs that your child has chickenpox, the most important of which are
High body temperature, 24-48 hours before the appearance of the rash, accompanied by a state of exhaustion and a feeling of weakness.
The appearance of a general itchy rash.
The appearance of grains in the form of raised bumps from the surface of the skin, which develop to form small vesicles filled with fluid.
The rash appears first on the stomach and then slowly spreads to the back and face.
The rash spreads anywhere including the scalp, mouth, behind the ears, arms, legs, and even the genitals.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox in children?
The most important symptoms of chickenpox in children, which last up to seven days at most, are the following:
The child''s temperature may sometimes reach more than 38 degrees Celsius.
The child is severely tired, and has pain in the muscles and head.
Chickenpox is mainly associated with skin infections that appear as red blisters filled with clear fluid.
Intense itching associated with the blisters.
Feeling pain in the bones.
Anorexia.
Feeling lethargic, tired, and the child''s inability to wake up.
What does chickenpox rash look like in children?
The grains may go through different stages of development and appear in batches, that is, there are newly emerging grains without liquid, others with liquid, and others after the rupture of the vesicles that turn into what looks like a small wound and then form a superficial crust.
The pills do not usually leave scars, but frequent itching or severe illness may cause some scars.
What can I do to help a child with chickenpox?
There are many ways to relieve the pain of chickenpox in children, including
Constantly changing the child''s clothes and bed sheets, and placing cool, wet cloths on the affected areas of the skin, because heat and sweat make your child itch more.
Ensure that the child''s nails are cut short so that he does not injure himself if he scratches his body.
Making sure that the child drinks plenty of fluids will help keep his skin hydrated, which will reduce the amount of itching he feels.
Rub ice cubes on itchy blister spots to bring some relief. The ice will help numb the area so that the swelling and itching subside.
Refer to the doctor if your child shows any signs of complications, such as: increased redness in the areas of the grains, and a persistent high temperature for more than four days.
