A HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS VIRAL INFECTION
Chickenpox
A highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, presenting with itchy blisters, fever and fatigue, mostly in children, but can be more severe in adults and high-risk patients.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is most common in children but can affect adults too, often with more severe symptoms. The illness typically begins with fever, tiredness and loss of appetite, followed within a day or two by an itchy rash that progresses from small red spots to fluid-filled blisters and finally to crusted lesions. It usually settles within 7–10 days. While it is generally a mild illness in healthy children, chickenpox can cause complications in adults, pregnant women, newborns and those with low immunity. Vaccination provides effective prevention. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Infection with the varicella-zoster virus
- Spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person
- Direct contact with the fluid in chickenpox blisters
- Exposure during the early infectious phase before the rash appears
- Unvaccinated children and adults are at higher risk
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Mostly clinical; blood or skin tests where confirmation is needed
Symptomatic care; antiviral therapy in adults and high-risk patients
Patients should stay home until all blisters have crusted over
Most patients recover fully within 7–10 days
Varicella vaccination provides effective long-term protection
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Antiviral Therapy in High-Risk Patients
Early antiviral therapy is the most effective treatment in adults, pregnant women and those with low immunity, where chickenpox can be more severe. In healthy children, supportive care is usually sufficient.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika examines the rash and overall condition and decides whether antiviral therapy is appropriate based on age, severity and risk.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created — supportive care for mild cases, and antiviral therapy with closer monitoring for adults and high-risk patients.
- 3
Medical Management
Antiviral therapy where indicated, along with itch relief, fever control, hydration and isolation guidance.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Monitoring for complications such as skin infection, lung involvement or persistent fever, and counselling on vaccination of close contacts.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Antiviral Therapy in Adults and High-Risk Patients
Oral antiviral medication, started early, reduces the severity and duration of chickenpox in adults and high-risk groups.
Symptomatic Relief
Fever-controlling medication, rest and hydration to ease symptoms during the illness.
Topical Care and Antihistamines for Itching
Soothing topical applications and antihistamine medication help control itching and prevent scratching-related skin damage.
Isolation Precautions
Staying home and avoiding contact with others until all blisters have crusted over prevents spread to vulnerable people.
Vaccination of Susceptible Contacts
Family members and close contacts who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine can be offered protection through vaccination.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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