Understanding Chickenpox: A Highly Contagious Virus in Children That Can Lead to Complications if Not Properly Managed

The Institute of Dermatology, Department of Medical Services, aims to raise public awareness and understanding of chickenpox, a disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) the same virus responsible for shingles. Chickenpox is most commonly found in children, particularly those aged 5–12 years, followed by children aged 1–4 years, while shingles typically occurs in adults.

 

Akarathan Jitnuyanont, M.D., Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that chickenpox is a highly contagious disease. It can spread through coughing, sneezing, close breathing contact, direct contact, or sharing personal items with infected individuals, including those with chickenpox or shingles. The virus usually has an incubation period of about 2–3 weeks. Outbreaks commonly occur during the late winter to early summer months (January to April).

 

Common symptoms of chickenpox include:

1. The illness typically begins with flat red rashes, which later develop into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters gradually become cloudy and may resemble pus, spreading across the face, torso, back, and inside the mouth.

2. Within 2–3 days, the blisters begin to form scabs, and patients may experience a sore throat.

3. Young children may develop low-grade fever, fatigue, and mild loss of appetite.

4. Adults often experience high fever and body aches, similar to flu symptoms.

5. The rash may appear at the same time as the fever or one day after fever begins.

6. In some cases, blisters can form inside the mouth, causing irritation of the mouth and tongue.

 

Complications may also occur, including:

1. Secondary bacterial skin infections, which may lead to pus formation and permanent scarring.

2. In individuals with weakened immune systems, the virus may spread to internal organs such as the lungs, brain, or liver.

3. Pregnant women who contract chickenpox during the first 3–4 months of pregnancy may have an increased risk of congenital abnormalities in the fetus.

 

Weerawat Ukranun M.D., Director of the Institute of Dermatology, added important facts about chickenpox:

1. After recovery, the virus can remain dormant in the body and may later reactivate as shingles, especially when the immune system weakens.

2. The infectious period begins about 24 hours before the rash appears and continues until all blisters have dried, usually about 6–7 days. Patients should avoid work or school during this period to prevent transmission.

3. There are no specific food restrictions associated with chickenpox.

4. Vaccination is currently available and effective in preventing chickenpox.

5. Scratching or picking at blisters may cause permanent scarring.

 

Sutsarun Prunglumpoo M.D., from the Institute of Dermatology provided treatment recommendations:

1. In mild cases, patients can recover at home. If fever occurs, paracetamol can be taken. Aspirin must not be used, as it may cause serious complications affecting the brain and liver. Anti-itch medication, adequate rest, and plenty of fluid intake are recommended.

2. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience high fever, extensive rash, secondary infections, breathing difficulty, seizures, or unusual drowsiness.

3. Severe cases or patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer, or chronic diseases, may develop more serious symptoms and widespread infection affecting internal organs. These individuals should consult a physician promptly to reduce the severity of the illness.

 

 

Source : Thai Health Promotion Foundation