How does chickenpox begin: the first signs. How chickenpox begins in children of different ages The first rashes with chickenpox where they appear

Of particular interest are parents whose children have interacted with a child who has been diagnosed with chickenpox. Such information is also important in a situation where a chickenpox quarantine has been declared in a kindergarten or school. How to recognize on early stage this infection and how to understand that a child has started chicken pox? To answer such questions, you need to find out where and how chickenpox begins in childhood.

What is chickenpox

Chicken pox, which is traditionally called chickenpox by parents and doctors, is a highly contagious infection that occurs with fever, rash and other symptoms. Most often, this disease is detected in children aged two to ten years. Its causative agent is one of the types of herpes viruses – the Varicella Zoster virus.

Infants can also become infected and get sick from chickenpox, but most babies under six months of age are protected from chickenpox by their mother’s immunity. They receive antibodies to chickenpox from a mother who was ill in childhood, first in utero, and then through breast milk. A child older than 6 months is no longer protected by maternal antibodies, so chickenpox in infants who are already six months old is quite possible.

Watch the episode of the program “Live Healthy!”, in which host Elena Malysheva talks about chickenpox in children:

Chicken pox also affects people over 10-12 years of age. At the same time, in adolescents and adults, the infection is more severe, so many parents are not against preschoolers communicating with children suffering from chickenpox or turn to a medical institution for vaccination against this disease.

In the body of a child who has had chickenpox or has been vaccinated against the Varicella Zoster virus, antibodies are formed that provide him with lifelong immunity from such an infection for the rest of his life. Only in 3% of cases is re-infection possible, which is often associated with immunodeficiency.

Incubation period

This period is the time from the virus entering the child’s body after infection to the first symptoms of infection. If you answer the question “how many days after exposure does chickenpox appear?”, then most often in children it will be 14 days. The duration of the incubation period can be shorter (from 7 days) or longer (up to 21 days), but on average, the onset of chickenpox is noted two weeks from the moment of first contact with the virus.

The child becomes a source of transmission of the virus to other people at the end of the incubation period - approximately 24 hours before the first symptoms. In addition, you can become infected from a child with chickenpox during the entire period of the rash and within five days after the last blisters appear on the baby’s skin. Transmission of the pathogen occurs by airborne droplets.

Prodromal period

This is the name for the time period when it is difficult to say what kind of disease a child has developed. With chickenpox it is quite short (lasts one or two days), and in many children it may be absent altogether. In the prodromal period of chickenpox, mothers note such manifestations of malaise in children as weakness, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite and sleep.

Watch a video that clearly demonstrates the rashes at the initial stage of chickenpox in children:

Period of rash

The rash begins to appear on the first or second day of clinical symptoms of chickenpox. It is associated with the entry of the virus into the surface layer of the skin through the bloodstream. At the same time, the child’s body temperature rises, and the severity of the fever is directly related to the abundance of elements of the rash, and when new rashes appear, the temperature rises again.

Where do rashes appear?

Not knowing whether the child has contracted chickenpox, all mothers are concerned with the question “on what part of the body does the rash begin to appear?” The first elements of the rash in most children appear on the torso, then they spread to the skin of the extremities, and also appear on the head (first on the face, and then on the scalp). In some children, the rash also affects the mucous membranes; for example, pimples can be seen in the mouth.

Can it start from the feet?

The first spots of chickenpox may appear on the legs and head, but they soon spread to the skin of the body. At the same time, there is practically no rash with chickenpox on the palms and soles. It can appear in these areas mainly in severe cases of the disease.

If the child light form chickenpox, the rash will be represented by a small number of elements on the body, and the temperature often remains normal.

What does the rash look like?

Chickenpox rashes are represented by several types of elements that appear one after another. At first, small pink-red spots cover the child’s body, and after a few hours papules form in their place. This is the name given to small bumps that resemble mosquito bites.

Over time top part The epidermis in the papules exfoliates and clear liquid accumulates inside - this is how single-chamber vesicles appear. Around each such bubble you can see a red “rim” of inflamed skin.

To learn how to distinguish chickenpox from an allergy, watch the video.

As a rule, the chickenpox rash can be quite itchy, and the parents' task should be to prevent scratching, which can infect the blisters.

The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Chickenpox or chicken pox - an infectious viral disease accompanied by intoxication and spotty-vesicular rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. Chickenpox is very contagious - almost everyone who has been in contact with the patient and has not been sick before gets sick. After illness, persistent lifelong immunity is developed.

It is noteworthy that the severity of the disease depends on age. Children experience a mild form of the disease, while adolescents and adults experience a more severe form. They also have a high risk of complications. Pediatricians indicate that in children with an active temperament, the rash is more profuse than in those who are calm and phlegmatic.

Until the 17th century, chickenpox was considered fatal dangerous disease– variety smallpox. Since then, the name “chickenpox” has remained. Chickenpox began to be identified as a separate disease in 1772, but the virus was only studied in the mid-twentieth century.

Causes of chickenpox

The causative agent of chickenpox is human herpes virus type 3. The pathogen has a fairly large size - from 150 to 200 nm. Its genetic information is contained in a DNA molecule surrounded by a lipid shell.

The virus multiplies only in the human body, and in environment quickly dies when dried, under the influence of UV rays and any disinfectants. It remains in droplets of mucus and saliva for up to 15 minutes. It is highly volatile and spreads with air flow.

Epidemiology of chickenpox

Source infections - a person with chickenpox, rarely shingles. It becomes contagious during the last 2 days of the incubation period and 7-9 days after the rash appears.

Transmission path– airborne. The virus is released from the patient's body through droplets of saliva when talking, coughing and breathing. With the flow of air it is carried into other rooms. Due to the fact that the virus is unstable in external environment, it is not transmitted through items or through third parties. A vertical route of infection is also possible, when the virus penetrates from an infected mother to the fetus through the placenta.

Susceptibility to the virus chickenpox is very high - almost 100% of previously unill people get sick. This means that if a person who does not have immunity communicates with a sick person, he is guaranteed to get sick.

Incubation period chickenpox(from infection to the appearance of the first symptoms) lasts 10-21 days, on average 14-17 days.

After an illness, the body develops lasting, lifelong immunity. It is believed that you can get chickenpox again only in exceptional cases. Infants are protected by innate immunity for the first 2-3 months of life. Antibodies to the chickenpox virus are transmitted transplacentally from the mother. Subsequently, the titer of antibodies in the blood decreases, and the child may become ill.

The number of patients with chickenpox increases in the autumn-winter period. Large outbreaks occur in kindergartens, schools and boarding schools, while Almost all children are infected who were not previously ill. Thanks to this feature, by the age of 15-16, 70% of the population already has immunity to chickenpox, acquired after an illness. People who did not get sick in childhood are at risk of becoming infected in adulthood.

Chickenpox: what is the route of transmission of the chickenpox virus, how can you get infected, how many days does the incubation period last and the disease itself - video

Pathogenesis

Incubation period. The virus enters the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. It penetrates cells and rebuilds them, causing them to produce new viral particles. Subsequently, the virus spreads throughout the body through the lymph flow. At the end of the incubation period, it is released into the blood.

Development of the disease. The first symptoms of chickenpox are associated with viremia - the presence of the virus in the blood. Patients develop fever and intoxication due to poisoning of the body with waste products of the virus.

Next, the chickenpox virus selectively infects cells of the skin and mucous membranes, which is manifested by a characteristic rash - a maculopapular rash. The virus also penetrates nerve ganglia, responsible for the innervation of the skin. In addition, it suppresses the immune system by impairing the functions of T lymphocytes. In this regard, the patient may experience worsening chronic diseases. Children during and after chickenpox become especially sensitive to viral and bacterial infections.

Recovery and development of immunity. The immune system recognizes the virus and produces specific antibodies to fight it. These immunoglobulins are the basis of lasting immunity. When re-infected, they quickly recognize and destroy the virus.

When treating chickenpox in children and mild forms in adults, it is enough to lower the temperature and treat the elements of the rash. Necessity of admission medicines determined by the doctor.

Caring for a patient with chickenpox

Caring for a child with chickenpox occupies a central place in the treatment of the disease. Proper treatment of the skin and mucous membranes helps prevent attachment bacterial infection and the development of complications.

Bed rest during fever. Children with mild illness and normal temperature do not need to limit activity.
To remove toxins, it is recommended to drink more fluids.
Skin rash elements are treated:
- 10% solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate);
- 1% alcohol solution brilliant green.
To reduce skin itching, it is recommended to lubricate the skin:
- camphor oil;
- vodka.
Keep children's nails short to prevent scratching and infection.
Rinse your mouth after eating:
- furatsilin solution – 2 tablets per glass of water;
- weak pink solution of potassium permanganate.
Treat aphthae in the mouth and genitals:
- methylene blue;
- an aqueous solution of brilliant green;
For rashes on the genitals:
- sitz baths with a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
- frequent washing with furatsilin solution;
- To speed up the healing of aphthae, a gauze strip is soaked in sea buckthorn oil and applied to the affected area.
If the conjunctiva of the eye is damaged:
- washed with black tea or chamomile infusion;
- instilled with a 30% solution of albucid (sulfacyl sodium) or 1% solution of protargol.
To reduce itching:
- baths with oatmeal or corn starch. Dilute 1 cup of flour in 3 cups of warm water and add the mixture to a bath of warm water.
- During the hot season, it is recommended to take a warm shower as needed. Water cleanses the skin of sweat and bacteria, reducing itching.
After water procedures the skin gets wet soft cloth, absorbs moisture well.
Requires daily change of underwear and bed linen. Clothing should be loose and made from natural fabrics so as not to injure the papules. It is important that the patient does not overheat, as sweating increases itching.

Traditional methods of treatment

Medicinal plants

Nutrition for chickenpox (diet)

When the first symptoms of chickenpox appear, appetite deteriorates significantly. You should not force the patient to eat, especially when the temperature rises. Offer food during those hours when the temperature has been brought down. It is advisable to eat little by little, but often – 4-5 times a day.
basis nutrition should become:

Bread made from premium flour.
Soups, not fatty, not rich.
Animal and poultry meat in the form of soufflés, meatballs, steamed cutlets and meatballs.
Milk and dairy products - yogurt, kefir, low-fat cottage cheese.
Soft-boiled eggs, steam omelet.
Semi-liquid porridge with the addition of milk or broth.
Steamed vegetables - vegetable stew, caviar, mashed potatoes.
Berries and non-hard fruits, peeled. Juices, compotes, jellies, mousses, jelly from them.
Rose hip decoction, weak tea with honey or milk.

Excluded from the menu:

Fatty and fried foods.
Spicy snacks.
Smoked products - meat, fish, sausage.
Products that cause gas formation are cabbage, radish, radishes, legumes.
Sharp cheeses, full-fat sour cream, cream.
Strong tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks.

Treatment of chickenpox: antipyretic, antiviral, antihistamines, rash treatment, hygiene measures, nutrition - video

Consequences

Purulent skin lesions. The most common complications are abscesses, boils, and cellulitis. They are formed when the skin suppurates and subcutaneous tissue around the infected papule. The cause of development may be hidden foci of infection, when streptococci and staphylococci spread throughout the body through the bloodstream. Also, one combed bubble can become entrance gate for an infection that spreads to other areas of the skin.
Scars, pockmarks - scar changes appear at the site of deep skin lesions, scratched and suppurating blisters.
Chickenpox pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs associated with the penetration of the virus into the alveoli. Against the background of a massive rash and a rise in temperature, the patient develops shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, sputum streaked with blood, cyanosis - blue discoloration of the skin on the peripheral parts of the body (earlobes, tip of the nose, fingers).
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by destruction nerve cells under the influence of the chickenpox virus. Appears during the period of extinction of the disease on the 5-20th day after the appearance of the rash. Characterized by fever, headache, lethargy, impaired consciousness, nausea, vomiting. After a few days, the main symptoms of mental disorders, convulsions, and paresis of the limbs appear. Chickenpox encephalitis is characterized by reversibility of changes.
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle caused by the chickenpox virus. Patients develop a fever and severe weakness, violation heart rate, tachycardia, chest pain.
Lymphadenitis - inflammation of the lymph nodes caused by the spread of infection through lymphatic system. The axillary, inguinal and cervical lymph nodes. They are enlarged in size, slight pain is felt when palpated, and the skin over them is reddened.
Nephritis is an inflammation of the glomerular apparatus of the kidneys. Develops towards the end of the second week of the disease. In patients, the temperature rises sharply, headache, abdominal and lower back pain, swelling, decreased urine output.
Damage to the fetus in pregnant women. Chickenpox in the early stages can lead to underdevelopment of the fetus, rarely to miscarriage. Chickenpox in the last weeks before childbirth can cause congenital chickenpox syndrome.

Signs of complications that need to be reported to your doctor immediately:

Progressive deterioration of general condition after temporary improvement.
Prolonged fever, severe weakness, drowsiness, refusal to drink indicate severe intoxication.
Long period of rash of more than 5 days.
Purulent contents inside the blisters, an inflammatory rim around the blisters, a painful rash - accession purulent infection skin.
Severe cough, hemoptysis, shortness of breath – possible viral infection of the lungs.
Shortness of breath and chest pain, cyanosis (blue skin) indicate heart damage.
Headaches, numbness of the neck and limbs, back pain, cramps, frequent vomiting– signs of damage nervous system.
Impaired consciousness, impaired speech - indicate inflammation of the brain.
Eye pain and rash on the conjunctiva occur when the eyes are damaged.
Severe abdominal pain may indicate a generalized form with damage to internal organs.

Chickenpox: complications in infants; how does chickenpox occur during pregnancy, how to avoid negative consequences for the fetus; how to eliminate scars after chickenpox; when can you wash (pediatrician's recommendations) - video

Prevention of chickenpox

Preventive measures for patients with chickenpox

Prevention of chickenpox is based on timely identification and isolation of the patient:

Preventive measures regarding contact persons

Contacts are considered to be people who communicated with the patient or were in the same room with him 2 days before the appearance of the rash and until the 8th day from the moment the last element of the rash appeared:

During the 21st day, contacts of all ages must pay Special attention. If you have a fever, redness of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, or any rash on the skin, you should call a doctor.
Contact children under 7 years of age (attending kindergartens) are not allowed in preschool institutions from the 11th to the 21st day from the moment of contact. If exact date There is no contact, then the contact child is isolated for 21 days.
Contact children over 7 years of age and adults. Not subject to separation, they can continue to go to school and visit public places until the first signs of illness appear.
Emergency vaccination of contacts may be recommended for immunocompromised children and pregnant women. The drug Okavax or anti-chickenpox immunoglobulin is used. Introduction of these medicines in the first three days after contact it protects against the development of the disease.

What is the prognosis for chickenpox?

Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to get chickenpox a second time?

high level

recurrent chickenpox

Causes reinfection chickenpox:

Significant decrease in immunity – HIV infection, long-term use systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, strict diets and fasting, physical and mental exhaustion.
Low level of anti-chickenpox antibodies. This situation is possible if a person has had chickenpox in early age. In the first year of life, the immune system is not sufficiently developed, so it may not provide adequate protection.
Infection with another type of herpes virus. The rash can be caused by types 1, 2 and 6.
Diagnostic error. A blistering rash can be a symptom of more than just chickenpox. Perhaps the first time vesicular rickettsiosis, flea bites or other insect bites were mistaken for chickenpox.

When is a person with chickenpox contagious?

In mild and moderate forms, a patient with chickenpox is contagious for 9 days from the moment the first pimple appears.

How can you get chickenpox?

indoors

healthy person

There is a high risk of up to 80% when communicating with a patient on the street - when talking and coughing, drops of saliva spread over a distance of 1-2 meters. If they enter the respiratory tract of susceptible people, infection will occur. However, sunlight and air currents reduce the possibility of infection.

There is no risk of infection through the patient’s personal belongings and toys or through third parties. For example, parents of a sick child or a teacher in whose group there is an outbreak of chickenpox cannot tolerate the infection.

Is it possible to walk outside if you have chickenpox?

Remember that active games, exposure to the sun and hypothermia are undesirable for a sick child.

Adults must comply bed rest until complete recovery. Junk physical activity may cause complications.

Is it possible to swim if you have chickenpox?

old school

skin itching

There is a danger of introducing bacteria through the towel. Therefore, it must be clean and ironed with a hot iron. It is acceptable to use soft disposable paper towels.

Is chickenpox dangerous for pregnant women?

The danger of chickenpox

During the first 8-10 weeks of pregnancy, chickenpox can cause miscarriage or lead to missed abortion. If this does not happen, then the risk of complications in the fetus is less than 5%.
2-3rd trimester the risk to the fetus is minimal - does not exceed 2%.
Term over 37 weeks - the risk of developing congenital chickenpox in a child reaches 25%.

optic nerve

Treatment of chickenpox in pregnant women. For mild forms, no specific therapy is prescribed; it is enough to drink more fluids and treat the elements of the rash. Recent studies have shown that pregnant women have a low risk of developing pneumonia and other damage to internal organs.

In severe forms, treatment is carried out with Acyclovir, which does not have a negative effect on the fetus. Daily dose 4 g, duration of treatment 7-12 days.

What should a pregnant woman who has had chickenpox do?

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Chickenpox or varicella is a herpetic-type viral disease that affects people once in a lifetime. The name of the disease is associated with two factors that are characteristic of it:

Chickenpox is easily transmitted, as if by the wind. Infection occurs by airborne droplets, and the virus can be caught at a distance of 50 (!) m from the patient. If one sick child appears in a group, then not only all other children can get sick, but also those who communicate with representatives of this team in other places. Therefore, chickenpox is a traditional childhood infection, which affects 98% of children.
The term “smallpox” came into use due to the similarity of the consequences of two diseases, black pox and chickenpox. Traces of diseases look like scars on the skin in the form of depressions and pits. With chickenpox, they form occasionally if the rashes have been scratched or become infected with a bacterial infection. If there were no scratched wounds, chicken pox does not leave scars. But the usual one or black pox almost always leaves behind pitted scars.

The causative agent of chickenpox

The causative agent is a virus. This is the third type of herpes virus, called Zoster. Like other types of herpes viruses, Zoster enters the body once and remains in it for life. It is stored in the ganglia spinal cord in a dormant state, where its reproduction is limited by immune bodies. With a strong decrease in immunity, Zoster can be activated, but in the form of another disease - herpes zoster.

During primary infection, a person develops the well-known chickenpox. If the relapse is reactivated, the disease may manifest itself in the form of herpes zoster (herpes). As a rule, relapse or activation of the virus occurs when sharp decline immunity, often appear in older people.

Note: Traditionally, people only get chickenpox once. After which the person develops lifelong immunity to this virus. However, over the past decade, cases of recurrent infection have become more frequent. This is due to low immunity and an incorrectly selected age-specific vaccination program.

How dangerous is the disease?

Childhood chickenpox is an almost always harmless disease that occurs without dangerous or severe consequences. It goes away within 7-10 days without special treatment. Only needed antiseptic treatment skin to prevent scratching of rashes and bacterial infections.

Children in kindergarten and younger get sick from chickenpox very easily school age(grades 1-2). The disease is more difficult in adolescents and young adults if they are “unlucky” and did not get sick in childhood. Catching the virus at 12, 16 or 18 years of age results in high temperature, extensive rashes that last a long time and itch severely.

Occasionally, adults (who did not have it in childhood) get this disease. In this case, chickenpox is extremely severe, with possible complications and deaths. Hence the conclusion: due to the ease of infection in childhood, it is better to get over it at 5-6 years old and gain immunity for life. No vaccine can replace a lasting lifelong effect.

In some cases, the disease may proceed without rashes. Chickenpox without a rash is one of the mildest forms of the disease, which is most often observed in unvaccinated breast-fed infants. This course of the disease risks the fact that the child may not develop stable immunity. After a few years, he may get sick again, in a more noticeable form, with a rash and fever.

Symptoms of chickenpox in children

Chickenpox is a viral infection, so its first signs are traditional for any viral disease. First stage diseases - latent or incubating. At this time, the virus multiplies and invades cells, but does not manifest itself in the form of fever or rashes. The incubation period for chickenpox lasts 21 days, after which a clear period of illness begins, with fever and rash.

The initial stage of chickenpox is accompanied by fever, headache, general malaise, difficulty breathing, a coated tongue, as well as aching, a painful reaction of the eyes to light. Therefore, the first manifestation of the disease can be confused with ordinary flu or acute respiratory infections. Further, as the virus develops, specific signs– rashes.

The first signs of chickenpox, which clearly indicate a herpes virus, are a blistering rash that spreads from the head and upper body. The rashes are distinguished by the presence of bubbles with liquid, which after a while burst to form wounds. After some time, the wounds heal.

If the wound takes a long time to heal, then a small spot will remain. Such spots in children can persist from several months to several years, after which they disappear with gradual renewal of the skin.

Let us consider the features of the manifestation of various painful symptoms with chickenpox.

Temperature with chickenpox

The rise in temperature during chickenpox can be different. Slight +37.3°C, and very high, up to +42°C. The temperature rises very high in adults. A slight rise in temperature can be observed in children, especially in breastfed babies.

Note: in the absence of fever and a small (2-3 pimples) number of rashes, chickenpox in children under one year of age may go unnoticed.

Chickenpox in infants occurs in severe form if the child’s immunity is depressed. This condition is possible within 2-3 weeks after vaccination, after suffering from inflammation, or specific manipulations (blood transfusion, antibiotic treatment).

The rise in temperature is also small in preschoolers who rarely get colds. These facts indicate that body temperature during a viral (chickenpox) infection is determined by the human immune system. The more active the body’s defenses are, the less its rise.

Chickenpox rash

The main defining sign of chickenpox is the characteristic chickenpox or herpetic rash. Small pink pimples and blisters with liquid exudate are typical signs herpetic infection. The type of chickenpox herpetic rash varies depending on the period of the disease:

Initially, small pink dotted pimples appear, which can be confused with an allergic rash.
After a day, pimples turn into so-called vesicles - they have bubbles with liquid contents. Initially, the contents of the vesicle are transparent. After a day, it becomes cloudy and bursts. In this case, the bursting of the vesicles is accompanied by severe itching.
The cloudy liquid inside the bubbles is filled with many viral particles. After the vesicle bursts, they are able to go out and spread into the surrounding space. This is how the virus spreads and infects surrounding people. At this stage, the itching intensifies and sometimes becomes unbearable. It is a tool for spreading viruses. When constantly scratching a wound, viruses get onto your hands, and from them they easily spread around.
Bubbles that burst turn into wounds and become covered with a crust. Under the crust they dry out within 6-8 days. After which the crust disappears, leaving no traces.
The rashes continue in waves. When the first pimples have already burst, the next ones may still appear. Thus, within 4-5 days, a new rash appears on the human body every day. In order to distinguish new pimples from old ones, all existing rashes are smeared with fucorcin, iodine or brilliant green. Then the new rash will be clearly visible - it will not be painted over. Such manipulations make it possible to determine the end of the disease. After the last pimple appears, 5 days later the child can attend the children's group.

Scratching pimples with chickenpox is fraught with bacterial infection, sore wounds, and traces of scars.

If chickenpox scars remain, they look like pinpoint depressions that remain on the child’s skin for several years. To prevent this from happening, in case of severe itching, use special antipruritic agents. Or they often cauterize the rash with an alcohol solution of brilliant green and iodine.

Duration of the disease

How many children get chickenpox also depends on the person’s immunity. The duration of a viral infection is determined by the speed of the immune response. When an infection first enters, the body develops a program to combat it. This may take from one to several days. Afterwards, the synthesis of the necessary antibodies is launched, which will control the spread of the virus. Which can also take from several hours to several days. After the appearance of antibodies, the virus is limited in reproduction. Therefore, the number of new rashes is reduced less. After a few more days, the rash stops appearing completely.

Chickenpox in a child lasts until the body is completely under control herpetic virus. This can range from 2 to 14 days.

Treatment of chickenpox in children and adults

Chickenpox is one of those diseases that in most cases does not require any treatment. The body copes with the virus on its own; you just need to create conditions for it to recover. In order to speed up the immune response, the child (or adult) is given the following:

Drink plenty of water, compote, herbal tea(optional and optional).
Freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices (to support immunity).
Detoxifying agents – pharmaceutical charcoal, smecta, natural clay. Accelerated elimination of toxins makes work easier protective forces, speeds up treatment. Perhaps detoxifiers are the only group of drugs that can be used for any viral infections.

Note: the famous doctor Komarovsky warns against treatment with aspirin. He says that it is with chickenpox that bringing down the temperature with this remedy can cause complications on the liver.

The measures listed above will help the child recover. They are not enough if an adult gets sick. How to treat chickenpox if the disease has become severe?

How to treat chickenpox in an adult

In adults, the course of chickenpox is often complicated by long periods, high fever (under 40°C), which lasts 7-10 days, as well as nausea and vomiting. In adults, the disease can be complicated by inflammation of the cornea, otitis media, and pneumonia.

Vomiting with chickenpox is explained by severe intoxication of the body. At large quantities toxins in the blood and digestive tract vomiting reflex occurs as an automatic reaction aimed at eliminating toxins.

In this case, measures are needed that reduce intoxication from infection and reduce the frequency and severity of vomiting. Therefore, for chickenpox in adults, detoxifiers must be prescribed.

Due to the severity of the infection, when treating adults, specific antiviral agent acyclovir, general immune stimulants (interferons, immunoglobulin). Rashes in adults are accompanied by severe itching, to relieve and relieve which antiallergic drugs are used - suprastin, diazolin, fenistil.

How to relieve itching in children with chickenpox

Chickenpox itches - this is known to the parent of every child who has been ill. And the more you scratch the chickenpox pimples, the more painful the sensations become. Scratching does not relieve the itching; it intensifies and becomes painful.

Itching also worsens with sweating. Therefore, if a child has chickenpox, you should not wrap them. For the same reason, contrary to popular belief, it can be bathed in water with an antiseptic solution added to the water.

Is it possible to wash a child with chickenpox?

The opinions of pediatricians in the post-Soviet space regarding bathing with chickenpox are categorical - no. The ban on bathing is explained by the possibility of additional spread of infection during bathing, showering healthy skin. However, the body is already infected. But it is possible to alleviate the condition of a sick child or adult with a warm bath.

When swimming, a concentrate of an antiseptic substance is added to the water to disinfect the rash. Use potassium permanganate (better known as potassium permanganate), an infusion of antiseptic herbs or a salt solution. After bathing, do not wipe; you must pat your skin dry with a towel or sheet.

How to apply chickenpox in children

External antiseptic treatment is necessary to disinfect wounds and prevent bacterial infections. Therefore, greenery for chickenpox - traditional remedy treatment. Also, treatment with a colored antiseptic (red fucorcin, brilliant green) allows you to determine the number of daily rashes (a new rash is not covered with pharmaceutical “paint”). Why is this necessary?

Recovery is judged by the number of new pimples. As soon as the body takes control of the virus, fewer new rashes appear, and after a few days there will be no new rash at all.

Is it possible to walk if you have chickenpox?

Fresh air and walks speed up recovery. With a viral infection, an increase in inspired oxygen by fresh air enhances the body's immune response. Therefore, walking when you have chickenpox is not only possible, but also useful.

We have already said that the disease is very mild in childhood and very difficult in adulthood. However, the chickenpox vaccine does not provide lasting immunity to children. From the point of view of future health, it is better to get chickenpox at a younger age. This means that there is no need to hide a sick child or prevent him from contacting other children.

The vaccine has a dubious effect. In addition, it does not create lifelong immunity. Thus, after vaccination in childhood, a person can become ill in adulthood, when this disease is very difficult to tolerate.

How does chickenpox start?? It is important to recognize it in the first days in order to begin treatment on time and make it easier to transfer the infection. Although chickenpox is considered a classic childhood disease, it can also be contracted as an adult. Children tolerate this disease relatively easily. But for an adult, chickenpox is a severe blow to health with the risk of serious complications.

Specifics of the disease

Chicken pox - viral infection, which spreads so quickly that it has rightly been compared to rapid gusts of wind. The causative agent of the disease, the Zoster herpes virus, quickly scatters in all directions over long distances with air currents. If for infection by many infectious diseases close contacts are necessary, for example, talking with a patient, then chickenpox can be caught while being 50 m from the virus carrier.

Flow chickenpox in the early stages reminds me of a common cold. The patient has a runny nose, cough, and a slight rise in temperature. But these are the same first signs of chickenpox should not be considered characteristic of this pathology, as they can lead to an incorrect diagnosis. One of the peculiarities of the disease is that the patient does not suspect until the last moment that he is infected with the Zoster virus.

To better understand the specifics of chickenpox, you should know that there are 4 stages of its development, which are very clearly demarcated:

Incubation (hidden).
Prodromal (a kind of pre-disease state).
Acute (when skin rashes appear).
The period of decline of the disease (formation of crusts at the site of the rash).

The very first stage of development of the disease - incubation - usually lasts from 1 to 3 weeks. At this time, a person has no way of knowing that he has already become infected. But in the prodromal period, when they appear first symptoms of chickenpox, reminiscent of ARVI, you should be wary and go to see a doctor without waiting for the temperature to rise and a rash to appear on the body. If detected late and without treatment, chickenpox may develop not in a mild, but in a very severe form.

Who is at risk from this disease?

Chickenpox disease peaks in summer and winter. You can become infected by being in contact with a sick child or adult. The main way the virus spreads is through airborne droplets. An aggressive infection easily penetrates into Airways, from where it enters all lymph nodes and accumulates in them. Especially painful sensations the patient experiences in places where large lymph nodes are localized: under the jaws, behind the ears, in the armpits, groin area. It becomes difficult to chew and swallow food and urinate.

If a person had chickenpox as a child, he develops a strong immunity. If he did not suffer this infection as a child, the risk of getting sick awaits him throughout his life. The fact is that Zoster viruses can live in the body for decades in a passive form without causing any harm. But with a significant decrease in immunity, they become more active. This usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 60.

Thus, the risk group includes:

adults who did not have chickenpox in childhood;
some teenagers, if their immune system weakens sharply during puberty;
people who find themselves in severe stressful situations;
persons who have experienced severe hypothermia or frostbite;
patients with serious injuries, bone fractures;
patients who have had serious illnesses viral diseases ;
people taking strong antibiotics and hormonal drugs for a long time;
cancer patients;
HIV-infected;
patients who have undergone internal organ transplantation.

Complications of the disease

For those who had chickenpox in childhood, although a strong immunity is formed, the herpes virus remains in the body for life. Extremely rare, but with severe exhaustion immune system Such a terrible disease as herpes zoster may develop. If this happens, then chickenpox, the onset of the disease is very difficult.

In a child, this disease, as a rule, is not complicated by secondary infections, which cannot be said about adults. In them, chickenpox is often accompanied by diseases that affect:

respiratory organs (pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, pneumonia);
vascular system(thrombophlebitis);
musculoskeletal system (arthritis);
nervous system (paralysis, cysts in the brain);
liver (organ abscess);
organs of vision (partial or complete loss).

It is very dangerous when a pregnant woman gets chickenpox, even if she had it in childhood. Immunity to chickenpox reliably protects the expectant mother, so she is not afraid of infection. But for a developing child, Zoster viruses pose an extreme danger. It is highest in the first months of pregnancy, when the risk of miscarriage or fetal malformations is high. And in the last weeks before childbirth, chickenpox can lead to the birth of a stillborn child.

Initial stage of the disease in children

In case of illness chickenpox onset The disease in children is characterized by 2 main symptoms:

Rising body temperature.
Rashes.

Moreover small rash, reminiscent of the skin pathology of scarlet fever, can be observed for only a few hours, then it disappears without a trace. A rash typical of chickenpox appears only after a day.

The illness in a child may begin with a sudden headache, lethargy, loss of appetite and resemble symptoms of acute respiratory infection. The temperature depends on the severity of the disease. If the disease is mild, it does not rise above +38ºС. In severe forms, the temperature can remain around +39-40ºС, causing fever, and not subside until the period of all gradual rashes ends.

What part of the body can it start from? skin pathology? The first rash often appears on the head. And then more and more new rashes join it, covering almost the entire body. This process usually lasts 5-6 days.

First, reddish spots appear. Then papules (convex formations) form at this place. Even later - vesicles (bubbles with clear liquid). After 1-2 days, this liquid becomes cloudy, and the formations begin to dry out. Crusts appear on their surface, which disappear after a few weeks.

The biggest problem with chickenpox is that the appearance of new blisters is accompanied by severe itching.

It is so unbearable that children scratch these micro-wounds and tear off the scabs. And this is precisely what cannot be done. The patient's condition improves after scratching only for a short time. In addition, injured skin represents numerous “open gates” for pyogenic bacteria.

The first symptoms of the disease in adults

Among first signs of chickenpox in adults- high temperature, up to +38-39ºС. This fever persists for 3 to 5 days, intensifying at the moment of its appearance. maximum quantity rashes. In this case, all the symptoms of intoxication of the body are present: weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. In addition, upon palpation, painfully enlarged lymph nodes are easily detected.

Chickenpox symptoms in adults similar to the signs of an incipient disease in children. Red spots then appear. At first they are solitary. But soon the rash becomes widespread, and its appearance is aggravated by constant, debilitating itching.

In the same way, the spots turn into vesicles with a gradually cloudy liquid. These bubbles come in two types: they are either large (up to 1.5 cm), but there are few of them, or small (about 5 mm), but there are countless of them.

Vesicles appear primarily in areas with thinner and more delicate skin: the face, thighs, abdomen, and groin area. Secondly, the rash affects scalp heads, and then oral cavity, throat.

How severe it is can be judged by the duration of intense coloration of the rash. If the form of the disease is mild, then the redness lasts only 2-3 days and the temperature subsides after that.

At medium degree With the severity of the disease, bubbles appear and turn red for 4-5 days.

It is very difficult when this process stretches for 8-10 days, then calming down, then activating again, and the temperature reaches critical values, exceeding +40ºС.

Particularly severe form of the disease

At the initial stage of chickenpox in adults, the possibility of sudden progression of the disease cannot be ruled out. It may be like this: just yesterday it occurred in a fairly mild form, but literally a day later the patient’s condition sharply worsened. Such an insidious attack of chickenpox is possible if it is complicated by severe damage to the nervous system.

The following symptoms may indicate this:

a persistent feeling of nausea, which at times can lead to vomiting;
increased fearfulness due to the inclusion of bright lights, the appearance of loud sounds;
sudden mood swings;
frequent muscle cramps;
loss of coordination of movements;
claustrophobia (fear of being in a confined space).

With such a critical course of chickenpox in adults, the rash occurs in waves. The redness of the rash and the temperature are steadily reaching their maximum. And when this peak passes, the patient is so deprived of strength that he is on the verge of exhaustion.

This condition is also dangerous because viruses can paralyze the vascular system. In such cases, vesicles appear not only on the skin, but also on the mucous membranes of the nasal passages, stomach, and intestines. They become filled with blood, which is found in nasal discharge and urine. And the temperature reaches its highest values.

But that's not all. Chickenpox can become gangrenous. In addition to the usual rashes, blisters with signs of tissue necrosis occur. When they burst, they turn into deep, constantly weeping ulcers. The prognosis in such cases is most often unfavorable. To prevent this outcome, it is extremely important to detect chickenpox at the earliest stages of development.

Many adults had chickenpox as children, so they often forget what chickenpox looks like and how it begins in children.

At the very beginning of the disease, chickenpox is easily confused with ARVI or allergies. There are several basic rules and main differences that are specific to the onset of chickenpox.

What does chickenpox look like in children: photos in the initial stage

The difference between chickenpox and another disease (from allergies, and) is a characteristic rash. Each spot looks like a small nodule filled with liquid, which can be up to 5 mm in diameter.

The chickenpox rash goes through the following stages of development.

Red spots. Initially, spots appear the size of a pinhead to a round or round lentil grain. oval shape. The initial stage of the rash resembles small red spots, similar to mosquito bites or insect bites.
Papules. Within a few hours, the spots acquire the character of papules with a clearly defined contour
Vesicles. After a few hours or the next day, a vesicle bubble with smooth edges and transparent watery contents forms in the center of the elements.
Crusts. The liquid in the vesicle becomes cloudy and it bursts. The wound heals slowly and becomes covered with a crust, which disappears after a few days.

Rashes are often observed on the conjunctivae of the eyes, (hard palate, mucous membrane of the cheeks, gums, uvula, back wall pharynx), sometimes on the larynx and

Such bubbles may appear for the first time on the back

The onset of the disease can occur in two ways.

In the first option, a small red rash appears on the patient’s body, which after a few hours turns into blisters.
In the second variant of chickenpox, the patient develops several single blisters (on the face or back).

The initial stage is usually 2 days. On the 3-4th day, profuse rashes begin. It is necessary to inspect the child's body daily for the presence of rashes.

Chickenpox rash

Where and where does the rash come from first: the onset of the disease

Chickenpox appears on the body in waves. The rash can appear on any part of the body. More often found on the face, scalp, and back. Less commonly noted - on the stomach, chest, shoulders, hips. As a rule, there is no rash on the palms and soles.

With mild to moderate severity, the rash is localized mainly on the back, upper and lower extremities, and on the face. In severe cases of chickenpox, papules can be on the mucous membranes: on or

Many parents miss the fact that pockmarks can also be found in the scalp and forget to treat them. The child experiences great discomfort, and the onset of chickenpox quickly spreads over the scalp.

The chickenpox rash changes every day. The photo shows what the rash looks like at the beginning of the disease, on days 7 - 8, and at the end of chickenpox - on day 15.

My 2-year-old son contracted chickenpox from his older son. Snot, fever, then a small red rash appeared. After just a few hours, the pimples began to turn into small bubbles. Papules were on the back, on the chest, on the head; quite a bit on the arms and legs. The temperature remained for 2 days at 37.5 - 37.6, then dropped to 36.8 - 36.9.

How quickly does the rash spread throughout the body?

Experts note that mostly new rashes appear in the morning and late afternoon, and in some children at night. The spread of the rash depends on the severity of the disease.

In moderate to severe forms of chickenpox, pockmarks spread throughout the body, including the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals.

With a mild form of chickenpox or at the very beginning of the disease, several blisters may appear on the body for several days.

Photo of chickenpox rashes on a baby's stomach This is what the first rashes of chickenpox look like on a baby's arm Bubbles on a child's tongue Rashes on the tongue The first manifestations of chickenpox on the back are often found in the form of a small red rash Chickenpox is a small red rash that turns into small blisters

Interview with a doctor about the symptoms and forms of chickenpox, how they manifest themselves, and how to distinguish chickenpox from other infections.

When do the rashes stop?

The chickenpox rash appears on the skin in waves. Each new appearance may be accompanied by an increase. In some children, the rashes stop on the 4th - 5th day, and the temperature returns to normal or drops to a level of 37.

Sometimes the rash can last 6 – 8 days. If a child stays above 38 for more than 3 days, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How long does chickenpox last?

Chickenpox depends on the form of its occurrence and usually lasts from 7 to 14 days. The patient is considered non-infectious until 5 days have passed from the appearance of the last vesicle.

Quarantine in children's institutions is 21 days, since chickenpox is latent, when there are no symptoms, and the carrier of the virus is already considered infectious.

Can chickenpox go away without a rash?

In some cases (very rarely), chickenpox may occur with blurred signs or asymptomatic. This form of chickenpox occurs in people with strong immunity or.

Persons who have had chickenpox in mild degree susceptible to re-infection with the virus in the form of shingles.

What chickenpox looks like in children at different stages

Mild rash

A mild form of chickenpox passes without temperature or with a slight increase in temperature - no higher than 37.5. General state the patient is satisfactory. Rashes are present only on separate areas, for example, on the back and chest, a little on the arms.

The patient experiences severe itching And general weakness body.

Rash on the skin Rash on the body Chickenpox is a small red rash that turns into small blisters. The first manifestations of chickenpox are often found on the back in the form of a small red rash

Severe rashes

For medium shape Chickenpox is characterized by severe rashes (including pockmarks). The temperature can rise to 39 and above.

A severe form of chickenpox is dangerous because the patient may develop symptoms. Chickenpox can last more than 2 weeks.

Pockmarks on the palate of a child

Why you need to recognize chickenpox at the very beginning of the disease

The correct diagnosis can be made by a local pediatrician. The child care facility that the patient visited is quarantined for 21 days. Children who have not had chickenpox can stay at home at this time, isolated from the group. At the first suspicion of chickenpox, you should call a doctor at home.

Differences between chickenpox and other infections

The main difference between chickenpox and other diseases (scarlet fever and allergies) is the characteristic rash. At first it is small red - then the pockmarks resemble small bubbles that burst and dry out.

The photo shows what chickenpox looks like at an early stage and a vesicular rash.

Chicken pox by day or How the papule changes

The rash goes through several stages. First, a red spot appears, then turns into a vesicle filled with water. The bubble bursts, and in its place a crust appears, which falls off.

Treatment of chickenpox should be comprehensive: treatment of the rash, relief of itching, control.

Chickenpox symptoms and treatment

Symptom in a child Treatment Possible complications if left untreated
Rash The rash is treated 3-4 times a day antiseptic drugs. Papules are lubricated with brilliant green, fucorcin, a weak solution of potassium permanganate or calamine. Antiseptics dry out the rash, eliminate itching, and reduce the risk of complications.
Purulent-inflammatory diseases, abscesses are possible.

Itching
The rash itches, so the itching is relieved antihistamines. Children under 3 years of age are given Zodak or Fenistil drops. Over 3 years old, you can give Supratin or Claritin 1/2 tablet 2 times a day or 1 time before bed.
A child can introduce an infection into the wound, and marks may remain.
Temperature
At high temperatures, children are given Panadol in syrup or paracetamol in tablets.

Convulsions, intoxication, cardiomyopathy.

Cough, difficulty breathing Immediate hospitalization is required. Chickenpox pneumonia
IN initial stage diseases in children over 3 years of age, the antiherpetic drug acyclovir is used; the drug is also used for severe course chickenpox. In some cases, the pediatrician may prescribe

Folk remedies

Lemon and blueberries are effective in treating chickenpox. They strengthen the immune system and suppress viral diseases. Tea with lemon, compote or blueberry juice will help your baby regain strength during illness.

To the most effective means include various procedures.

Calendula lotions. You can apply lotions from infusions of various herbs to the affected areas.

Baths based on a decoction of celandine, chamomile, calendula or oak bark. Baths should be short (no more than 5 minutes).

Herbal infusions for oral administration. In children, they should be used only after consultation with a doctor, as allergies may occur to some herbs.

You can learn more about the treatment of chickenpox with folk remedies.

Preventive measures

There are currently two main vaccines: Okavax and Varilrix. When contacting an infectious patient, use it no later than 96 hours after contact with the patient. Allowed for children from 12 months or after 1 year.

According to studies, the vaccine sufficiently protects against chickenpox and its complications. Of course, people who received
vaccination, they may get chickenpox, but the disease will be mild.

TO preventive measures also include actions aimed at strengthening the immune system.

Chamomile tea effectively relieves inflammation and calms the nervous system

Reminder for parents on what to do if you have chickenpox

If a rash is detected, call a doctor at home.

Before the doctor arrives, measure the child’s body temperature.

If your pediatrician diagnoses chickenpox, you should call kindergarten and school and tell them that you have chickenpox. The class or group will be quarantined for 21 days.

Put your child to bed, let him drink more often, and adjust his diet.

Follow the instructions prescribed by your doctor. Treat the rash every day 2-3 times a day; if the temperature is high, you should give the child Panadol or paracetamol. Antiviral or antiherpetic drugs as prescribed by a doctor.

If the temperature stays above 38 for more than 3 days or the child’s health becomes worse or a cough appears, you need to call a doctor at home again or call an ambulance.

Chickenpox usually goes away without complications, but if the child’s immunity is weakened or the parents accidentally bought it before the illness, then the risk of complications is very high.

Conclusion

Parents definitely need to know the first symptoms of the disease in order to provide first aid to their child as quickly as possible. The disease most often occurs in childhood and usually occurs without complications. At the first symptoms of chickenpox, you should seek qualified medical attention. medical care to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Verified by: Petrova Anastasia Vladimirovna, pediatrician of the highest category

Medical sources were used in preparing the material:

Galitskaya, M.G. Chicken pox: possibilities of combating the “old enemy” in the practice of a pediatrician / M.G. Galitskaya, A.G. Rumyantsev.

Nikiforova, L.V. Modern features clinical course chickenpox in children.

Varicella Zoster Virus // World Health Organization.

Symptom in a child	Treatment	Possible complications if left untreated
Rash	The rash is treated 3-4 times a day antiseptic drugs. Papules are lubricated with brilliant green, fucorcin, a weak solution of potassium permanganate or calamine. Antiseptics dry out the rash, eliminate itching, and reduce the risk of complications.	Purulent-inflammatory diseases, abscesses are possible.
Itching	The rash itches, so the itching is relieved antihistamines. Children under 3 years of age are given Zodak or Fenistil drops. Over 3 years old, you can give Supratin or Claritin 1/2 tablet 2 times a day or 1 time before bed.	A child can introduce an infection into the wound, and marks may remain.
Temperature	At high temperatures, children are given Panadol in syrup or paracetamol in tablets.	Convulsions, intoxication, cardiomyopathy.
Cough, difficulty breathing	Immediate hospitalization is required.	Chickenpox pneumonia