Chickenpox

Chickenpoxis a very contagious disease caused by a type of herpesvirus called the varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox affects the skin with the typical red, blister-like rash. Chickenpox is preventable through chickenpox vaccination and has become less common since the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine. In some cases, chickenpox can be serious and result in complications.
The chickenpox virus spreads from person to person when someone with the disease talks, coughs or sneezes. This shoots droplets contaminated with the varicella zoster virus into the air where they can be breathed in by others. Chickenpox can also be transmitted by touching the fluids from the chickenpox rash. The varicella zoster virus is extremely contagious. People at risk for getting chickenpox include anyone who has not been vaccinated for the disease and is exposed to a person with the disease



symptom:-
Symptoms of chickenpox affect the skin, as well as the lining of the throat and mouth. The classic symptom of chickenpox is the appearance of a red rash that contains fluid-filled blisters. The rash first appears on the trunk and generally spreads to the face, arms and legs. The rash can also spread to the genitals and scalp and develop the insides of the mouth nose and ears. The rash is very itchy. Excessive scratching can lead to the complication of a bacterial infection of the rash and cellulitis. Scratching can also cause scarring.
Related Chickenpox InfoRelated Pages1.Chickenpox: Introduction
2.Symptoms Overview
3.List of Symptoms of Chickenpox
4.Tests to Confirm Diagnosis
5.Home Diagnostic Testing
6.Alternative Diagnoses
7.Misdiagnosis information
8.Complications
9.More about Symptoms
10.Article Excerpts
11.Medical articles
Other symptoms of chickenpox may include a fever, abdominal pain, and malaise.
The blisters of the chickenpox rash break open after a few days and dry out and crust over to form scabs. Once scabs have formed, chickenpox is no longer contagious.
In rare cases, having chickenpox can break down the body's defenses and strength and lead to such complications as pneumonia, encephalitis and skin infections. Symptoms of these complications include fever, cough, headache, and change in level of consciousness. Newborn infants, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune system are at a higher risk for developing serious complications of chickenpox. There are also possible complications for unborn babies whose mother contract chickenpox during pregnancy. These include birth defects

Antimonium crudum: A child who needs this remedy usually is irritable and may object to being touched or looked at. The eruptions are sore, and touching them may bring on shooting pains.

Apis mellifica: When this remedy is indicated, the skin around the eruptions is pink and puffy and very itchy, with stinging pains. The eyelids may also be swollen. The person feels worse from warmth, is irritable, and usually is not thirsty.

Belladonna: This remedy is indicated when a child is hot and feverish, with a red flushed face, and eyes that are sensitive to light. A pounding headache may be felt, accompanied by either restlessness or drowsiness. The rash usually is red, with a feeling of heat and throbbing.

Bryonia: When fever persists for several days during chicken pox, and a dry nagging cough develops, this remedy may be useful. The person’s mouth is dry, with thirst for long cold drinks. The person may be very grumpy, feel worse from motion, and dislike being interfered with in any way.

Mercurius solubilis: This remedy may be indicated if eruptions are large and become infected. The child is very sensitive to temperature changes and feels worse at night. Perspiration and drooling during sleep, swollen lymph nodes, and offensive breath are strong indications for Mercurius.

Pulsatilla: A child who needs this remedy is often sweet and tearful when ill and wants a lot of attention and comforting. Itching and other discomforts are worse from warmth and in stuffy rooms, and improved by cool fresh air. The person is rarely thirsty, even during fever.

Rhus toxicodendron: This remedy is useful in cases of chicken pox with tremendous itching that is worse from scratching and relieved by warm baths or applying heat. The child may be very restless, both physically and mentally. The eyes may become inflamed and sticky. Muscles can ache and feel very stiff, also relieved by warmth and gentle motion. (Some homeopathic physicians recommend Rhus tox to people who have been exposed to chicken pox, to help prevent infection.)

Sulphur: If itching is so severe that the person finds it impossible to keep from scratching—or if eruptions have a nagging, burning pain—this remedy may bring relief. The symptoms (and the person) become worse from warmth and aggravated after bathing. Both heat and chills are felt during fever. The person may feel drowsy in the afternoon and restless and hot at night.

Urtica urens: Eruptions with stinging, burning pain and itching may be relieved by this remedy. Symptoms are aggravated by exertion and from overheating
Antimonium tartaricum: This remedy may be indicated when eruptions are large and slow to emerge. The child feels sweaty, fussy, and may be nauseous with a white-coated tongue. If chest congestion with a rattling cough develops, or a bubbly sound on breathing, Antimonium tart is likely to be the appropriate remedy.