14 March 2019 Author : Rute Barreto It is a contagious disease that can be caught by respiratory transmission or direct contact with lesions on the skin of people who have already been infected. A person suffering from chickenpox can infect other people from 1 to 2 days before the lesions appear on the skin, until the lesions disapear. Chickenpox has an average incubation period of 14 days, that varies between 10 and 21 days . What are the symptoms of chickenpox? The characteristic skin lesions of chickenpox go through stages : They start as pink spots; These then develop into blisters containing a transparent liquid; They end with the formation of scabs. These lesions appear as outbreaks but different lesions coexist throughout the skin and mucous membranes and are frequent in sclap. Chickenpox lesions cause intense itchiness , and in children, fever is low or does not occur . The patient is advised to visit their doctor if the following warning symptoms are noted: Skin infection; Blisters in the eyes; Behavioural changes; Drowsiness; Severe headache; Difficulty walking; Difficulty breathing; Persistence of high fever beyond the 3rd day of symptoms, or the reappearance of high fever; Persistent vomiting, decreased fluid intake, signs of dehydration: Dark circles around the eyes; Dry mouth; Sunken fontanelle; Crying without tears; Decreased diuresis (the child stops urinating - dry nappies). What is the treatment for chicken pox? In children, chickenpox is usually benign and self-limiting. It may be more severe in newborns, adolescents and adults. To prevent the occurrence of lesions as a result of itching, nails should be kept short and clean . During the night, hands can be covered with gloves or socks. The doctor may also prescribe antihistamines to control the itching. The child should be kept well hydrated , so it is very important to ensure adequate fluid intake. To fight fever, only paracetamol should be used. In some specific cases, antiviral medicines may be indicated, which your doctor will prescribe. How do you prevent chickenpox? The following people should avoid contact with children suffering from chickenpox: Pregnant women; Small children who have not been immunised; Immunocompromised people; People who have never had chickenpox. Children with chickenpox can only go back to school or nursery when all the lesions have scabbed over . More about pediatrics at the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
