What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. The virus is highly infectious and is transmitted by droplet infection. It can be transmitted several meters above the air, hence the term chickenpox. After the infection, usually in childhood, the affected person receives lifelong immunity. In 20% of cases, however, shingles … Chickenpox rash
Associated symptoms of chickenpox In addition to the characteristic skin rash, fever and fatigue are often present as accompanying symptoms of primary infection. Depending on the area of the body affected, the central nervous system may also be involved, with symptoms such as insecure gait and neck stiffness. Pneumonia can also occur in severe cases. … Associated symptoms of chickenpox | Chickenpox rash
Vaccination against Varicella Zoster Virus Since 2004 the Varizella Zoster vaccination has been officially recommended by STIKO together with the vaccination against mumps, measles and rubella. It is a live vaccine, i.e. the body actively forms antibodies against the administered vaccine. At the same time, it produces memory cells that remember when they come into … Vaccination against Varicella Zoster Virus | Chickenpox rash
Synonyms in the broadest sense Varicella infection Therapy Patients whose immune system is weakened and newborns are particularly at risk from a varicella infection and its possible consequences. In these patients, as well as in patients with severe forms of the infectious disease with pneumonia or very painful courses of zoster (shingles), antiviral therapy with … Therapy of chickenpox
Complications Often the blisters become inflamed when they are scratched open because of the severe itching and bacteria (bacterial superinfection) can penetrate. The efflorescences (reddening of the skin) then heal with scarring. To provide relief to the children, tinctures can be applied to the affected areas to reduce the itching. In patients with a weakened … Complications | Therapy of chickenpox
Prognosis and course The prognosis for varicella or zoster disease is generally good: the skin symptoms heal without scarring and the pain from zoster subsides completely after the nerve inflammation. After contracting varicella, one is immune to the virus for life, i.e. despite renewed contact with the virus one does not contract chickenpox. However, immunocompromised … Prognosis and course | Therapy of chickenpox
Prophylaxis Children with chickenpox should be isolated during a hospital stay. 5 days after the appearance of the last fresh blisters of skin, chickenpox is no longer contagious. Children can go back to community facilities such as kindergarten or school without any risk of infection. There is an effective vaccination against the varicella zoster virus, … Prophylaxis | Therapy of chickenpox
Definition Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly infectious disease that usually occurs in childhood and is therefore a typical childhood disease. Chickenpox is caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster virus). During the normal course of the disease, high fever and a characteristic itchy rash (exanthema) appear all over the body. Whoever has had the disease … Chickenpox in adults
Diagnosis As a rule, the diagnosis can be made by a doctor after talking to the patient and examining him or her on the basis of the typical symptoms. This applies to adults and children. In the case of atypical or very mild courses of disease, such as after vaccination (breakthrough varicella), the diagnosis can … Diagnosis | Chickenpox in adults
Treatment Normally, an infection with chickenpox does not require treatment. Since more pronounced courses are more likely to occur in adults than in children, an assessment should be made by a doctor. Therapy against the actual chickenpox virus is advisable in adults (over 16 years of age) with pronounced symptoms, as severe courses are more … Treatment | Chickenpox in adults
Duration of the disease After infection, the infection usually runs without symptoms for two weeks (incubation period).After this period, a general feeling of illness with slight fever, fatigue, headache and aching limbs often occurs. One to two days after these symptoms have appeared for the first time, the typical chickenpox rash appears. After one to … Duration of the disease | Chickenpox in adults