Chickenpox on the skin

Varicella is one of the most common acute infectious diseases among infants and preschool children. It is more serious in adults. Generally, chickenpox will not leave scars after recovery, but some will. After being infected with chickenpox, one will gain lifelong immunity. Varicella is highly contagious. If it occurs in kindergarten or near home, isolation measures must be taken. Let me give you a detailed introduction to the relevant knowledge about chickenpox.

Overview

Varicella (chickenpox) is an acute infectious disease caused by the primary infection of varicella-zoster virus. It mainly occurs in infants and preschool children, and the symptoms in adults are more severe than in children. It is characterized by fever and the appearance of widespread red maculopapular rashes, vesicles, and scabs on the skin and mucous membranes. The rash is distributed centripetally, mainly occurring on the chest, abdomen, and back, and rarely on the limbs. It is common in winter and spring and is highly contagious. Chickenpox patients are the only source of infection. It is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the onset of the disease until the rash dries and crusts over. It can be transmitted through contact or inhalation of droplets. The incidence rate in susceptible children can reach over 95%. The disease is a self-limiting disease and generally does not leave scars. If it is combined with bacterial infection, scars will be left. Lifelong immunity is obtained after the disease. Sometimes the virus remains in a dormant state in the ganglia, and the infection recurs after many years, resulting in shingles.

Causes

The disease is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Varicella-zoster virus belongs to the Herpesviridae family. It is a double-stranded DNA virus with only one serotype. There are at least eight types of viral glycoproteins, which determine the pathogenicity and immunogenicity of the virus. The virus has very weak survival ability in the external environment, is not resistant to heat and acid, and can be inactivated by disinfectants such as ether. Humans are the only host of the virus, and patients are the only source of infection. The infectious period is generally from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until the herpes is completely scabbed.

treat

The child should be isolated early until all the rashes have crusted over, generally no less than two weeks after the onset of the illness. Children who have been in contact with patients with chickenpox should be isolated and observed for 3 weeks. There is no specific treatment for this disease. The main focus is symptomatic treatment and prevention of secondary skin infection, keeping the skin clean and avoiding scratching. Strengthen care, change clothes frequently, and cut nails frequently to prevent secondary infection from scratching blisters. Actively isolate patients to prevent infection.

Local treatment is mainly to relieve itching and prevent infection. Calamine lotion can be applied externally. If the herpes ruptures or secondary infection occurs, 1% gentian violet or antibiotic ointment can be applied externally. Antibiotics can be used when the systemic symptoms of secondary infection are severe. Avoid using corticosteroids to prevent the spread and aggravation of chickenpox.