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Chicken Pox, otherwise known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral disease occurring most commonly in children before the age of 12. Caused by the varicellar-zoster virus, which is a form of human herpes, once acquired the virus will stay in the body for a lifetime, making most people immune to a reoccurrence. A person who has never had chicken pox can get it at any age, however the chance of complication and severity of the disease increases with age.

The signs of chicken pox start to show about 14-16 days after contact with the infection occurs. The disease is spread through the air, by breathing infected droplets as well as direct contact with a person who has been infected. The virus is at its most contagious 1-2 days before a rash appears so it is possible to be exposed without knowing. Symptoms can be from sever to mild and include fever, headache and loss of appetite. This is followed a few days later by an itchy rash of small red bumps that usually appear first on the scalp, face and trunk then spread to the chest, arms and legs. Bumps can also appear in the mouth and genitalia.

The bumps appear as single blisters filled with a fluid that is at first clear and then becomes cloudy. The blisters then opens and begins to scab over within about 24 hours but new bumps will continue for approximately 4-6 days. Once all the bumps have scabbed over the disease is no longer contagious, though it may take another week or two for the scabs to clear up.

Most cases are uncomplicated, treatment most often involves comfort and relief from the itchy rash in the form of creams or pain medicine. There are medications to help prevent or decease the symptoms for people or children who stand a high risk of developing a sever case of chicken pox. People at high risk are pregnant woman who have never had the chicken pox, people with immune system problems, on steroid medication, or with pulmonary disorders.
If the blisters become very red and tender, omits puss, becomes extremely uncomfortable or if the fever lasts for 3-4 days, you should contact your doctor.

A vaccination exists that is proven to prevent the contraction of chicken pox and is readily available from your doctor or public health service.

http://www.chickenpoxp ictures.info/

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h ttp://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-gui des/chickenpox-varicella-topic -overview

http://en.wikipedia.o rg/wiki/Chicken_pox

http://www. cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varic ella/default.htm

http://www.eme dicinehealth.com/chickenpox/ar ticle_em.htm

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