How Long Does Chickenpox Last?

How Long Does Chickenpox Last? Chickenpox is caused by a virus known as Varicella-zoster (VZV), and is easily spread by people infected with the disease to those who have not already had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated against it. Chickenpox can be spread through the air after an infected person sneezes or coughs, or by breathing in the particles from or touching the blister-like virus rash. Symptoms of chickenpox include an itchy rash that resembles blisters, fever, and feeling tired. It can be dangerous for babies and children as well as for people who have a compromised immune system.

How Long Does Chickenpox Last?
How long does chickenpox last?It depends on whether you are an adult or a child. Children who have become infected with chickenpox usually have it for 7-10 days, adults may be sick with the disease for longer. Once all of the blisters have scabbed over, it is safe for the patient to return to school or work.

The scabbed over blisters may still be visible for weeks, with dark spots remaining for up to a year. Scaring should not occur where the rash occurred unless bacteria came into contact with it when scratching.

Once someone has chickenpox, the virus remains in the body for life, but is kept under control by the person’s immune system. If the virus emerges again later in life, it will result in Shingles, which affects about 10% of adults who have previously had chickenpox.

How Long Is Chickenpox Contagious For?
After being exposed to chickenpox, it takes 10-21 days for the disease to develop. The patient becomes contagious a couple of days prior to developing the rash and continues being contagious until all blisters have scabbed over. How long is chickenpox contagious for depends on how long it takes for the blisters to heal over.

People with shingles are only contagious while blisters are developing and not before.

How Is Chickenpox Treated at Home?
Unless complications arise, the symptoms of chickenpox can be treated at home.

Don’t Scratch
It is important to avoid scratching the chickenpox rash as this can result in scarring and increase the chances of developing an infection. To keep your child from scratching, you can trim your child’s nails and have him or her wear gloves, especially at bedtime.

Relieve Itching and Other Symptoms
To help ease itching and pain from the chickenpox rash, and to reduce the discomfort caused by Headache, fever and fatigue, try the following methods:

• Take a lukewarm bath with uncooked or colloidal oatmeal or with baking soda.


• Dab blisters with Calamine lotion.


• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) for fever and pain.


• Take antihistamines (Benadryl) for itching. Check with a doctor before giving this medication to a child.


• Eat soft, bland foods if blisters occur in the mouth.

Never take aspirin with chickenpox. It could lead to a serious medical condition known as Reye’s syndrome. As well, be sure to see a doctor before treating a high fever associated with chickenpox.

When to See a Doctor
If you or your child experience any of the following symptoms with chickenpox, it is important to contact your doctor right away.

• Signs of Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which include unusual sleepiness, confusion, constant vomiting, sensitivity to bright light, and severe headache.


• Signs of varicella pneumonia">Pneumonia, which include persistent coughing or trouble breathing.


• Signs of serious skin infection, which include skin that is sore, warm and red or rash that develops into large open sores.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have been exposed to Chicken Pox and:

• Are older than 12, and have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against the disease.


• Have a weakened immune system


• Are pregnant

Seek medical help if you have chickenpox and:

• Have had a fever for longer than 24 hours


• Have severe itching that is not helped by home treatments


• Have a chickenpox blister in your eye


• Have had a rash for longer than 2 weeks

Reasons for Chickenpox

Reasons for Chickenpox

Varicella or commonly known as chickenpox is a contagious illness causing an itchy rash and blisters to appear all over the body. Chickenpox can cause problems for newborns, pregnant women, and adults, but people with weakened immune system are at a greater risk of developing this infection. So, exactly what is the main reason for chickenpox? Let's find out now!

Reasons for Chickenpox
You develop the chickenpox infection when the varicella-zoster virus enters your system. This usually happens after being in contact with someone who already has the infection. Tiny droplets that come out of the mouth and nose of an infected person also contain the virus. These droplets can also contaminate objects and surfaces and infect others too. It is important to bear in mind that the virus is usually contagious several days before you notice any blisters – it remains contagious until your blisters have crusted over.

The reason for chickenpox is the transfer of the varicella-zoster virus from one person to another, and it can spread through different ways, including the following:

• It may spread through face-to-face contact, such as talking to someone who is already infected.


• It may infect someone who stays in the same room as an infected person for at least 15 minutes.


• It may spread through direct contact with the blisters.


• You may contract the virus by touching an objected that may have been contaminated with infected droplets or fluid.

You can contract an infection through these ways, but you are at a greater risk if you have a weak immune system or are pregnant. You are more likely to become infected during your first and second trimester of pregnancy. There is also an increased risk of contracting the infection during the 13th and 20th week of pregnancy, as well as five days before and two days after delivery.

A rash is usually the earliest sign of chickenpox, but you can spread the disease a couple of days before you develop the rash. The condition stays contagious for at least 5-7 days, until scabs develop over blisters. Once someone becomes infected, it usually takes about 2 weeks to develop chickenpox. Keep in mind that the disease is contagious even if you have been vaccinated for chickenpox but become infected.

Shingles and Chickenpox

The varicella zoster virus is also responsible for causing shingles, a painful skin condition. Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is actually a skin rash that can affect anyone. Even if you have had chickenpox in the past, you can still get shingles, which is mainly because the chickenpox virus can reactivate itself many years later. This usually happens in people with weak immune system, which is the reason the majority of people who get it are older than 60.

While it is a common infection affecting about 1 out of 3 people in the United States, it is not nearly as contagious as chickenpox. It does not pass from person to person, but the varicella zoster virus can transmit to other people. If this happens, the recipient might not develop shingles but he/she may still develop chickenpox.

Symptoms and Complications of Chickenpox
The symptoms are usually more severe in adults as compared to children. You may have:

• High temperature with Headache and aches before a rash appears


• Spots on your skin that appear in crops and soon turn into small, itchy blisters


• Blisters in your mouth and other parts of the body


• Feeling of being sick with severe tiredness and loss of appetite

Complications
Children rarely develop any complications but adults are more likely to deal with significant complications, such as the following:

• You may develop secondary bacterial infections due to Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria.


• A rare complication of chickenpox is Pneumonia that requires hospitalization.


• Chickenpox can lead to the inflammation of the balance center of the brain and causes symptoms such as poor balance and abnormal eye movements. Symptoms do not last for several days though.


• Reye's syndrome is another relatively rare but possible childhood complication of chickenpox and causes problems such as vomiting, nausea, combativeness, and Delirium.

Some other rare complications include Ulcers of the intestinal tract, kidney disease, hepatitis, and inflammation of the testes. However, these complications are not that common and usually affect certain people, such as pregnant women, people with a weak immune system, people with severe skin conditions, and people with lung or Heart Disease.

Treatment for Chickenpox
Certain treatments are available but once you know the reason for chickenpox, you may also want to try some home remedies to make things more manageable.

Home Remedies
You can take the following steps to reduce the discomfort associated with chickenpox.

• Apply Cool Compresses on Blisters: This may help find some relief. Calamine lotions may help as well, but avoid the ones that contain Benadryl.


• Take Cool-Water Baths: You will feel better after taking cool-water baths, so it is find to take baths every 3-4 hours. Add some baking soda to the water to help relieve itching.


• Stay Hydrated: Be sure to drink plenty of water when you get chickenpox. You should encourage your child to do the same. Give them plenty of liquids, especially if they have a fever. This will help keep skin hydrated and reduce itchiness. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is important – fruit juices and cool beverages are also good.


• Boost the Immune System: Eat grapefruits, oranges, tangerines and other citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake, which in turn will help boost your immune system. Fruits like strawberries, kiwis, papaya, etc., and vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and kale will also help strengthen your immune system.


• Use Honey: Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, applying honey on your blisters will help reduce the itchiness and trigger healing. It also helps keep your skin hydrated. Simply wash your hands thoroughly and use your finger to apply honey directly on the blisters thrice a day.

Medical Treatment
You usually do not need any medical treatment because it is a viral infection but your doctor may prescribe some medicines to treat certain symptoms. For instance:

• You may have to take Aciclovir or other antiviral drugs to help shorten the duration of the symptoms.


• You may have to take antihistamines to relieve swelling and itching.


• You may need to take painkillers to alleviate the discomfort.


• You may require antibiotics if a bacterial infection develops due to itching.

Reason for Chickenpox

Reason for Chickenpox

Varicella, or commonly known as chickenpox, is a contagious illness causing an itchy rash and blisters to appear all over the body. Chickenpox can cause problems for newborns, pregnant women, and adults, andpeople with weakened immune system are at a greater risk of developing this infection. So, exactly what is the main reason for chickenpox? Let's find out now!

Reasons for Chickenpox
1. How Do You Get Chickenpox?
Varicella-zoster virus is the main reason for chickenpox. You develop the chickenpox when the varicella-zoster virus enters your system. This usually happens after being in contact with someone who already has the infection. Tiny droplets that come out of the mouth and nose of an infected person also contain the virus. These droplets can also contaminate objects and surfaces.

The varicella-zoster virus can spread through different ways, including the following:

• It may spread through face-to-face contact, such as talking to someone who is already infected.


• It may infect someone who stays in the same room withan infected person for at least 15 minutes.


• It may spread through direct contact with the blisters.


• You may contract the virus by touching an object that may have been contaminated with infected droplets or fluid.

You can contract an infection through these ways, but you are at a greater risk if you have a weak immune system or are pregnant. You are more likely to become infected during your first and second trimester of pregnancy. There is also an increased risk of contracting the infection during the 13th and 20th week of pregnancy, as well as five days before and two days after delivery.

2. When Is a Person Contagious?
A rash is usually the earliest sign of chickenpox, but you can spread the disease a couple of days before you develop the rash. The condition stays contagious for at least 5-7 days, until scabs develop over blisters. Once someone becomes infected, it usually takes about 2 weeks to develop chickenpox. Keep in mind that the disease is contagious even if you have been vaccinated for chickenpox but become infected.

3. Shingles and Chickenpox
The varicella zoster virus is not only the reason for chickenpox, but also is the causefor shingles. Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is actually a skin rash that can affect anyone. Even if you have had chickenpox in the past, you can still get shingles, which is mainly because the chickenpox virus can reactivate itself many years later. This usually happens in people with weak immune system.

While it is a common infection affecting about 1 out of 3 people in the United States, it is not nearly as contagious as chickenpox. It does not pass from person to person, but the varicella zoster virus can transmit to other people. If this happens, the recipient might not develop shingles but he/she may still develop chickenpox.

Symptoms and Complications of Chickenpox
1. Symptoms
The symptoms are usually more severe in adults as compared to children. You may have:

• High temperature with Headache and aches before a rash appears


• Spots on your skin that appear in crops and soon turn into small, itchy blisters


• Blisters in your mouth and other parts of the body


• Feeling of being sick with severe tiredness and loss of appetite

2. Complications
Children rarely develop any complications but adults are more likely to deal with significant complications such as the following:

• You may develop secondary bacterial infections due to Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria.


• A rare complication of chickenpox is Pneumonia that requires hospitalization.


• Chickenpox can lead to the inflammation of the balance center of the brain and causes symptoms such as poor balance and abnormal eye movements. Symptoms do not last for several days though.


• Reye's syndrome is another relatively rare but possible childhood complication of chickenpox and causes problems such as vomiting, nausea, combativeness, and Delirium.

Some other rare complications include Ulcers of the intestinal tract, kidney disease, hepatitis, and inflammation of the testes. However, these complications are not that common and usually affect certain people, such as pregnant women, people with a weak immune system, people with severe skin conditions, and people with lung or Heart Disease.

Treatment for Chickenpox
Certain treatments are available but once you know the reason for chickenpox, you may also want to try some home remedies to make things more manageable.

1. Home Remedies
You can take the following steps to reduce the discomfort associated with chickenpox.

• Apply Cool Compresses on Blisters: This may help find some relief. Calamine lotions may help as well, but avoid the ones that contain Benadryl.


• Take Cool-Water Baths: You will feel better after taking cool-water baths, so it is fine to take baths every 3-4 hours. Add some baking soda to the water to help relieve itching.


• Stay Hydrated: Be sure to drink plenty of water when you get chickenpox. You should encourage your child to do the same. Give them plenty of liquids, especially if they have a fever. This will help keep skin hydrated and reduce itchiness. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is important.


• Consuming More Vitamin C: Eat grapefruits, oranges, tangerines and other citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake, which in turn will help boost your immune system. Fruits like strawberries, kiwis, papaya, etc., and vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and kale will also help strengthen your immune system.


• Use Honey: Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, applying honey on your blisters will help reduce the itchiness and trigger healing. It also helps keep your skin hydrated. Simply wash your hands thoroughly and use your finger to apply honey directly on the blisters thrice a day.

2. Medical Treatment
You usually do not need any medical treatment,but your doctor may prescribe some medicines to treat certain symptoms. For instance:

• You may have to take aciclovir or other antiviral drugs to help shorten the duration of the symptoms.


• You may have to take antihistamines to relieve swelling and itching.


• You may need to take painkillers to alleviate the discomfort.


• You may require antibiotics if a bacterial infection develops due to itching.

It is also important to knowhow to prevent chickenpox.

Can You Get Chickenpox Twice?

Can You Get Chickenpox Twice?

Chickenpox, medically known as Varicella, is a viral infection characterized by the development of an itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters. It is a contagious condition, especially for people who have not been vaccinated against it or never had it in the past. Before the introduction of chickenpox vaccination, it was quite common for people to have it by the time they reached adulthood. Today, not many people get it, thanks to chickenpox vaccination, but many people still have questions about this condition. One important question is, "Can one get chickenpox twice?” Keep reading to learn more about this viral condition.

Can You Get Chickenpox Twice?
Generally, people get chickenpox only once in a lifetime mainly because they develop immunity once they become affected. But rarely, chickenpox can happen twice:

• In rare cases, you can get it again, especially if you were very young when you had it for the first time.


• Moreover, you are likely to develop it again if you have a weak immune system.


• Quite interestingly, some people think they have had chickenpox in the past but that might only be a rash, so they think they have developed chickenpox twice, if they get real chickenpox later.

Chickenpox and Shingles
You need to understand that the chickenpox virus stays in your body even after the disease has been cured, usually in the roots of nerves and can reactivate decades later in people, for example, with a weakened immune system. There are cases when people who have had chickenpox develop another condition called shingles, which develops when the chickenpox virus becomes active once again. Shingles is not nearly as contagious as chickenpox is, but the virus causing both infections can infect a person who has never had chickenpox.

What Causes Chickenpox?
Although you have known the answer to “Can you get chickenpox twice?” it is important to understand exactly what causes it in the first place. The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing this infection. You usually develop chickenpox when you come into contact with an infected person. The virus is contagious even several days before blisters appear and stays contagious until all the blisters are gone. The virus usually spreads through coughing, saliva, Sneezing, and direct contact with blisters.

Risk Factors
The risk of becoming infected comes down through vaccination or immunity passed from mother to newborn. Remember that you are more likely to contract infection if you have had contact with someone who has chickenpox, you are under 12, or you have spent time in a childcare facility or school. You may also develop this condition if your immune system is weak due to other illnesses or medications.

How to Know If You Get Chickenpox
You already know the answer to your question, "Can you get chickenpox twice?" so the next big question is, "How can you confirm you have chickenpox?" The classic symptom of chickenpox is rash. But 1 or 2 days before the appearance of rash, you may experience loss of appetite, fever, Headache and tiredness.

Then the rash will start to appear and here are the changes you will experience:

• First there are raised red or pink bumps which break out in a few days. Then these bumps turn into small fluid-filled blisters which can break and leak in just one day. At last, you will eventually develop crusts and scabs that cover the broken blisters and take a few days to heal.


• You will continue to have new bumps for several days. It means you can have bumps, blisters, and crusts at the same time on the second day of the rash. In some cases, the rash spreads and covers the entire body. There may also be lesions in the eyes, throat, and mucous membranes of the anus, urethra and vagina.

Seek Medical Help
You should consult your doctor as soon as you suspect your child has chickenpox. Your doctor will examine the rash and check other symptoms to confirm whether it is chickenpox or not. Be sure to inform your doctor if:

• The rash gets to one or both of the eyes.


• Rashes become very red, tender or warm, which can be a secondary bacterial skin infection.


• Rashes occurs with fever over 102 °F, disorientation, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, tremors, shortness of breath, vomiting, worsening cough, Stiff Neck, or loss of muscle coordination.


• There are family member with immune deficiency or under 6 months years old.

How to Deal With Chickenpox
Can you get chickenpox twice? Yes, you can, but it's really rare. Normally, if you have had chickenpox in the past, you develop immunity to the virus for life. But you have to know how to fight the first battle to gain that immunity. Here's how to do:

1. Avoid Scratch
It is not easy to resist the temptation, but it is important to avoid scratching because it slows healing and even leads to infection. Make your child wear gloves at night and keep their fingernails trimmed to avoid scarring.

2. Alleviate Itchiness

• Add baking soda, colloidal oatmeal, or uncooked oatmeal to bathtub and make your child soak in it for a while to find relief from itching.


• You can also soothe Itchy Skin by using unscented lotion and putting on soft, lightweight clothing.


• Antihistamines also help relieve itching, but talk to your doctor before giving antihistamines to your child.

3. Take Antiviral Drug
Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs if you have developed certain complications from the infection or if you are one of the higher risk patients. People who are very young, are very old, or have underlying medical conditions are high-risk patients because they are vulnerable to the side effects of chickenpox. These drugs do not cure chickenpox but they really help make symptoms less severe. They also boost immune system to help accelerate recovery.

4. Other Methods

• Apply calamine lotion on the spots for pain relief.


• Give your child a soft, bland diet if they have developed sores in the mouth.


• Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for a mild fever.


• Infected person should stay at home, kid out of school and daycare and adult off work and social life for days, to prevent spread of the virus.