The chicken pox virus is a highly contagious, common childhood illness. Breathing in air that contains infected droplets, or coming into contact with the fluid from a chicken pox blister, contributes to the rapid spread of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), known as chicken pox.

The symptoms are normally mild in healthy children, 12 years old and under, but the virus can become quite serious in young infants, teenagers, adults, or persons with a weakened immune system.

Preventive Measures for Parents:

* If your child has not had chickenpox, get the 2-dose chicken pox vaccine:
* #1 dose = at 12-15 months
* #2 dose = Booster shot between 4-6 years old
* There is also a combination vaccine available, called MMRV, which offers protection from chicken pox, mumps, measles, and rubella.
* Keep children away from an infected individual and ensure proper hand washing before eating and after using the bathroom.

Your child may still contract the virus even though they have been immunized, but the symptoms will be much milder.

Chicken Pox Symptoms:

* Prior to the rash, the child may have a loss of appetite, a fever, sore throat, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, or feels "sick."
* Several days later, an itchy, red rash will appear, usually on the stomach, back, or face. The small bumps will resemble insect bites or pimples.
* The rash spreads to other parts of the body including the nose, ears, mouth, scalp, and genital area.
* The red bumps become fluid-filled blisters.
* The blisters break; become open sores, and then crust over, forming brown scabs. Unless the blisters become infected, they will heal up in 10-14 days, with no scarring.

Treatments:

* Antibiotics cannot cure the chicken pox virus. Children will scratch the blisters because they itch and may cause the sores to become infected. A doctor will only prescribe an antibiotic if the sores, left by the ruptured blisters, become infected.
* Cool wet compresses and oatmeal baths will aid in relieving the itch and discomfort.
* Do not offer foods that are spicy or have a high acid or salt content.
* Ensure that your child remains well hydrated. Popsicles are a good option with children suffering from mouth blisters.
* An over-the-counter antihistamine (Benadryl) can help with the itching.
* If the child has a fever, use ONLY non-aspirin medicines: acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Tylenol, Advil or Motrin)
* Keep the child home and away from other family members until the blisters have crusted over.

Adults and Chicken Pox

More than 90% of American adults have had chicken pox in their childhood. The virus can remain alive in certain nerve roots, but stay inactive for years. If the virus becomes active later in life, it resurfaces as the shingles virus, also known as, herpes zoster (HZ). Anyone who has had chicken pox can develop shingles and it can activate without warning. The risk increases as you age.

Symptoms:

* Itching, burning, tingling, throbbing, or shooting pain on one side of your body or face.
* Within a few days, a rash develops in the same area.

Consult with your doctor immediately. Shingles is a very serious, painful affliction that can result in muscle weakness, paralysis, skin infections, scarring, affect your vision and hearing, or give you long-term nerve pain, a condition known as post herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Treatments:

* Antiviral medications will help reduce the pain and speed healing, if prescribed within 72 hours.
* Topical skin creams and over-the-counter drugs can help manage some symptoms.
* Prescription pain medication (narcotics) or anticonvulsants may be necessary to treat PHN.

Learn more about this author, Dawn R. Cole.
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