PATIENT INFORMATION

Chickenpox


What is chickenpox 

 An infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus 

 It is highly infectious, and is spread by contact with an infected person 👫

 The virus is not fully cleared, and has the potential to recur as shingles 


What are the symptoms of chickenpox 

 Rash: small, itchy, red spots/ blisters 

 Fever 🌡

 Loss of appetite 🍏

 Generally feeling unwell 🤢


How do you diagnose chickenpox 

 Having classical symptoms 

 Physical examination 


How do you treat chickenpox 

 Soothing cream (example: calamine lotion) 

 Paracetamol (for pain or fever) 💊

 Aciclovir (if poor immune system) 💊


Why should I worry about chickenpox 

 Additional bacterial infection of the skin 

 Scarring (if scratching) 

 Adults: infections of lungs, the liver or the brain (pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis, respectively) 


About the author

The i-medics Editorial Team consists of Doctors, Medical Students, Professional Content writers, i-medics Ambassadors and Freelance workers.