What is chickenpox and how to treat it? This is an infectious disease that usually affects children. It is characterized by bubble rashes that are caused by a virus of the herpesvirus family. It should be noted that it dies very quickly in the external environment, which is why it can be infected only by being in the same room with the patient, and not through his objects or third parties. After reading this article, you will learn what chickenpox is, how long the disease lasts and how it should be treated.
Chickenpox
How long does this illness last? Approximately two days before the rash appears, the patient becomes contagious, and until the crusts dry out, he will be a source of infection. It should be noted that this disease is infected precisely by airborne droplets, but after it the patient develops a very persistent immunity to chickenpox. It is very rare for a person who has had chickenpox to get it again.
Chickenpox: the first signs
Children are most susceptible to this disease,therefore, you should not protect your baby from familiar children who have chickenpox. Remember that at an older age, the disease is much more difficult to tolerate. Chickenpox is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Blisters and spotted rash.
- Weakness and fever.
- Scab formation.
Chickenpox manifests itself with fever and weakness, and a rash appears. After a few hours, the rash turns into blisters, which dry up after a couple of days, and after about a week, the crusts fall off. They will not leave scars on the skin if the child does not comb them. This is such an unpleasant disease - chickenpox. How long does it take? Approximately 10-23 days is the duration of this unpleasant illness.
Chickenpox treatment
Chickenpox (how long it lasts, you already know) is treated at home. Treatment consists in strict adherence to bed rest, which is necessary for an average of a week. Also, the patient should be given proper hygienic care, a dairy-vegetarian diet and plenty of fluids are recommended, which the sick person must receive. Bed and underwear should be changed regularly. In order for the crusts to dry out faster, they are treated with brilliant green or a solution of potassium permanganate (10%). To reduce itching, it is recommended to wipe the skin with water and vinegar, and then powder the places where there is a rash.
So that the child does not comb the bubbles, you should monitor the condition of his nails, whichshould be cut as short as possible.
Chickenpox prevention
If you want to protect your baby from getting chickenpox, you can vaccinate him, thanks to which he will be reliably protected from infection. However, the vaccine does not give a 100% guarantee, because infection is still possible, but in this case the child will get sick in a milder form.
Whether a child needs to be vaccinated or not is up to the parents to decide. The main thing is that if the child is infected, the necessary care is provided and bed rest is provided.