Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can also cause shingles later in life. It presents as a blistering rash and is usually mild, but can be severe in adults and those with compromised immunity. Complications are rare but can include bacterial infections and transmission to fetuses in pregnant women.
Chickenpox is a contagious condition triggered by exposure to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes shingles in adulthood. A member of the herpes virus family, the presence of the chickenpox pathogen normally causes illness in children, but it can present itself severely and trigger the development of complications in adults and individuals with certain medical conditions who have never had chickenpox when they were young. In most cases, treatment for the VZV that causes chickenpox allows the virus to run its course with little or no interference beyond the possible administration of an antihistamine to ease inflammation and discomfort. Individuals with a history of VZV causing chickenpox are considered to be in a precarious position of developing shingles later in life as varicella-zoster virus is a lifelong condition that lies dormant in one’s system.
The varicella-zoster virus is an airborne form of herpes that causes chickenpox in individuals who do not possess immunity to the bacterial pathogen. With age, the presentation of this virus can take on a more serious manifestation, triggering complications. Once exposed, the VZV lies dormant in the individual’s system for the rest of their life. In later years, the virus can re-emerge in the form of a painful but benign condition known as shingles.
A diagnosis of chickenpox is made by a visual examination of the telltale blistering rash with which it presents. Under normal circumstances, the disease is mild in its presentation and often takes several days to run its course. Infants and adults are considered to be at increased risk of developing more severe presentations of the disease due to compromised immunity or the presence of an existing infection. To prevent the spread of infection, individuals are advised to avoid interpersonal contacts and social situations, such as work or school, until all blisters have dried and scabbed.
Individuals with a mild presentation of the VZV that causes chickenpox initially have a rash that can appear as itchy, sore, widespread bites. As the virus progresses, the irritated lesions will fill with clear fluid to form a blister before breaking open and scabbing. The progression of blistering can vary from individual to individual. Additional signs that often accompany the development of the rash include fever, malaise, and headache. It is important to refrain from scratching the blisters to prevent a secondary infection and scarring from developing once the blisters have healed.
Complications associated with the VZV that causes chickenpox are rare in their occurrence. Those with compromised immunity, certain existing medical conditions, or pregnant women are considered to be at higher risk of developing complications, including acquiring more serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia and encephalitis. The most common complication of chickenpox is the manifestation of a bacterial-based skin infection that can occur in the presence of scratches.
Pregnant women who present with the VZV that causes chickenpox possess the ability to transmit the infection to their fetus. The passage of the infection and the severity of its presentation depend entirely on the timing of the disease; last presentations have an increased chance of development of complications. In addition to congenital infection, further complications may include physical deformity and low birth weight.
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