Identify The Onset Of Chickenpox
Chicken pox is a virus that is caused by the varicella zoster virus and is characterized by red spots that cover the entire chest and stomach of the body. These red spots transform into blisters which are filled with pus and fluid after a period of two days. This virus generally affects children in the age group of 12 and smaller. It has been said since olden times that it is better to get the disease when you are young as you get over with it quite quickly, but if you are infected with chicken pox during adulthood you will take a longer time to recover.
The symptoms:
Chicken pox is characterized by red pots which at first cover the chest and the stomach of the body of the individual and after a period of a day spread to the areas of the scalp and the feet. These red spots turn into blister which are filled with fluid which when touched by others will infect them if they have not suffered from the disease before. Even if the person has been a victim of chicken pox he or she can suffer for a very strong strain of the virus which can ravage his/her body badly. The onset of the virus is usually after and incubation period of about 10 to 20 days during which the individual is prone to fever, headaches, body aches, and flu- like symptoms. The resultant rash may cover hard to reach places on the person's body like the mucous membrane and the genitals.
Treatment at home:
The main aspect that one needs to keep in mind while taking care of a person suffering from chicken pox is hygiene. The patient needs to be quarantined in a room where no one else is allowed to enter; this is so that members of the house don't get infected. Remember that patients are prone to scratch themselves during the course of this disease and if this is the case you need to make sure that their fingernails are cut short to avoid any infection, however take care while cutting nails as there may be boils present under the nail.
In case of small children, cover their hands with woolen gloves. Bathing is not necessary on a daily basis and if the patient is given a bath, it should be on an alternate day basis and with cold water. You can add leaves of the neem tree as well as soda bicarb to relieve the itchiness caused by the rash. While drying the body care should be taken to avoid breaking of the blisters, as they may leave scars on the individual's body. Diets should consist of boiled vegetable like cauliflower and cabbage as well as fruits, which help to lower the temperature of the body. Steer away from spicy foods. Last but not the least, disinfect the room and the utensils as well as the clothing material that is being used by the individual to minimize spread of the disease.