Chickenpox

A red rash gradually spreads over your child's body, causing terrible itching? They have a slight fever and feel tired? Then your little explorer has probably caught chickenpox, one of the most common infectious diseases in children. Usually, chickenpox runs its course without complications, but the symptoms are extremely bothersome. In this article, you'll learn how the disease progresses, what helps your child with itching, and – if your little explorer has so far been spared – in which cases a vaccination makes sense.

How are chickenpox transmitted?

Their name comes from the high contagiousness of chickenpox: The Varicella-Zoster viruses , which cause the disease, survive in the air for a long time and can trigger infections over long distances – so to speak, via the wind. Usually, the infection occurs through a Droplet infection through coughing, sneezing, or by inhaling the fluid from the blisters of the rash. Also, infection can occur via a Smear infection is possible. The disease is contagious already one to two days before the characteristic rash appears, and remains so until all blisters are fully crusted over. If an unvaccinated or not yet immune person comes into contact with a chickenpox patient during this period, it almost always results in infection.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

First one to three weeks after infection show the first symptoms. These may, but do not have to, include the following signs:

• Mild fever

• Fatigue

• Discomfort

• Head and limb pain

It is also possible that your child shows none of these symptoms and does not feel sick at all. Two to three weeks after the infection, then the begins. typical skin rash . Usually, the first pustules appear on the face and torso before spreading to your child's arms and legs. The scalp, genital area, and mucous membranes can also be affected by the rash, while the palms of the hands are typically spared.

Initially, you will notice a bright red, raised rash, known as Bumps on the skin of your little explorer, which, however, already within a few hours, turns into fluid-filled blisters enlarge and intensify itch begin. After a few days, the blisters will then burst, dry out, and heal under crust formation within two weeks. The chickenpox rash appears simultaneously in all stages. In the meantime, it is quite possible that your little explorer has around 250 blisters in various stages (spots, papules, blisters, and crusts) all over the body. This typical appearance is also the reason for the name "starry sky" for the rash. Normally, chickenpox does not leave scars, unless the blisters are scratched open or become infected.

How does chickenpox (varicella) progress?

In children in Kindergarten or school age show the chickenpox usually a mild course . However, a typical complication can be a so-called Superinfection (Mixed infection) of the skin with bacteria occurs, which often needs to be treated with antibiotics. Under poor hygienic and medical standards, the likelihood of this is higher. With increasing age increases the complication rate , so that the infection among adolescents and adults can lead to pneumonia or brain (meningeal) inflammation. Regardless of age, however, the virus remains silent in the body even after recovery from the illness. This means that the viruses can trigger shingles (a herpes zoster infection similar to chickenpox) in anyone who has once had chickenpox. This can happen months or years later, especially when the immune system is already weakened.

What to do with chickenpox?

The typical rash usually makes the diagnosis of "chickenpox" quite clear. In early childhood, the infection usually clears up on its own, so only the annoying Treated and alleviated symptoms can be. The uncomfortable itching that is surely bothering your child can be well relieved with special powders and lotions (for example, with a tincture of zinc or tannins) or, if necessary, with an antihistamine. It is best to consult your pediatrician to determine which remedy is most suitable for your child.

The careful Skincare is also so important to prevent bacterial infections from developing and the blisters from becoming inflamed. To prevent your child from scratching the itchy blisters, it’s best to keep their nails short. This also helps prevent scarring from scratching. If the rash still becomes inflamed, it can be treated with a disinfectant solution and/or antibiotics.

How long are chickenpox contagious?

Many small chickenpox patients do not feel sick at all. In this case, strict bed rest is also not necessary. In the case of Fever or fatigue, on the other hand, rest and relaxation are naturally beneficial for your child's recovery. In any case, they must stay at home with a chickenpox infection, because visiting Daycare, kindergarten, and co. are as long as tabu , until no risk of infection after about ten days is contagious. Especially for newborns and people with weakened immune systems, your little explorer should avoid contact during this time, and you should also wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of infection. Chickenpox are also mandatory reporting , the pediatrician must therefore inform the health department about every illness.

Prevent chickenpox with the vaccination

The Two-dose vaccination against chickenpox was already developed in 1970. Since 2004, the vaccination recommended in Germany , because it provides immunity. Your baby usually receives the first vaccination between 11 and 14 months of age. This can be administered simultaneously with the MMR vaccine ( Mumps , Measles , rubella) or administered separately at an interval of at least four weeks. The second dose is then given between 15 and 23 months. The vaccination is generally well tolerated; only in rare cases do local reactions occur, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, or mild symptoms of illness like fever or fatigue.

Not only children, but also adults can still get vaccinated against chickenpox. The vaccination is especially recommended for women wishing to conceive who have not previously had chickenpox. The reason for this is that a Infection of the mother during the first five months of pregnancy can lead to severe malformations of the child. Even if the expectant mother around the Expected Date of Birth illness, can have dangerous consequences for your baby: It is born without protective antibodies and may become infected from the mother – life-threatening for a newborn. Your doctor can determine, based on potential risk factors during your pregnancy, such as an immune deficiency, whether a vaccination or a special therapy is advisable to mitigate the illness.

For Toddlers are chickenpox and the associated itching quite annoying, but they run their course generally but uncomplicated and harmless . If you want to spare your little explorer the rash and other possible symptoms of illness, vaccination is the right choice. This way, your child will not only be immune to chickenpox for a lifetime, but also won't risk developing shingles later on.

We wish your child good health and, if they have contracted chickenpox, a speedy recovery!