Chickenpox

Synonyms Varicella infection Introduction The so-called varicella zoster virus causes the disease pattern of chickenpox and shingles. If the initial infection with the virus occurs, this results in chickenpox, which is an acute and highly contagious infection. The patients show a skin rash, which mainly affects the trunk, the hairy head, the face, the neck … Chickenpox

Symptoms | Chickenpox

Symptoms After an incubation period (time between infection and outbreak of the disease) of about 2 weeks, most patients show the typical rash (exanthema) of the chickenpox virus: Within a few hours, the trunk of the body, face, arms and legs show red spots and finally fluid-filled blisters (rash with blisters), which cause severe itching. … Symptoms | Chickenpox

Complications | Chickenpox

Complications Complications can occur if the chickenpox blisters are scratched open. Opening the skin barrier can lead to a bacterial superinfection. This is usually an infection with staphylococci or streptococci. If a skin infection occurs, antibiotic treatment should be administered. Other possible complications are pneumonia and even severe inflammation of the brain or meninges. Complications … Complications | Chickenpox

Treatment | Chickenpox

Treatment Chickenpox infection is treated symptomatically. There are remedies available to reduce fever and relieve itching. Ibuprofen and Paraceatmol can be used to reduce fever. Creams with synthetic tanning agents or antihistamines can be used locally to combat itching. In immunocompromised people an antiviral therapy with Aciclovir can be considered. In case of a superinfection … Treatment | Chickenpox