Chickenpox

Chickenpox: A mild childhood illness with no serious consequences

Varicella, also known as chickenpox, is a mildly infectious childhood disease that usually does not cause serious consequences. It has nothing in common with real smallpox, which is much more dangerous and can lead to death.

Symptoms of chickenpox usually begin with a slight rise in temperature and the appearance on the body of small pimples filled with serous contents, similar to liquid pus. These bumps usually don't hurt, but they can be itchy. There are usually no more than 20-50 of them, but in some cases children can be strewn with them all over their body.

After 2-4 days, the pimples dry out and fall off, leaving no traces behind. During illness, the child may experience a fever, so it is better for him to stay in bed and prevent colds. It is also recommended to test your urine twice to rule out the presence of protein.

You can perform a urine test yourself. To do this, boil fresh urine in a small amount in a glass container. If there is turbidity or sediment in the urine, then 10-15 drops of acetic acid should be added. If the sediment does not disintegrate, there may be protein in the urine.

Although chickenpox is a mild illness, it can cause complications in some cases. For example, some children may develop skin or lung infections. In children with weakened immune systems, chickenpox can have serious consequences, so it is important to see a doctor if complications are suspected.

However, in most cases, Chickenpox goes away on its own without serious consequences. Parents can help their children cope with this disease by providing them with a cozy place to rest and providing proper skin care. In addition, vaccination is an effective way to prevent chickenpox and its complications.

Chickenpox (varicella) is an acute viral disease with airborne transmission, which is caused by the third type of herpes virus (herpes zoster). The disease is characterized by high contagiousness and exanthemal type of lesions of the skin and mucous membranes.

*Characteristic signs:* 1. Rash: small pink maculopapular rash all over the body with elements of a pinpoint rash on the oral mucosa. Mostly after the first day it appears on the face, chest, back, abdomen, limbs, as well as on the inner thighs in young children. 2. General symptoms: lack of appetite and signs of intoxication: chills, elevated body temperature up to +40°, muscle aches, headache, nausea, there may be loose stools, rarely vomiting, weakness, malaise, impaired consciousness. 3. After an illness, stable immunity is formed; repeated illnesses are possible due to the presence of the virus in the blood. This usually happens rarely. Rarely, but possible recurrence of the disease among adults. With greater frequency in persons with immunodeficiency syndrome. 4. To exclude the diagnosis of chickenpox, immunoglobulin M for the herpes simplex virus is given - and is of great importance for diagnosis in newborns.