$Unique_ID{BRK00342} $Pretitle{} $Title{Chicken Pox Diagnosis and Treatment} $Subject{chicken pox chickenpox varicella child rash Infections varicella viral virus viruses infection cold symptoms tear drop blister crusty lesions rashes itchy pox marks antihistamines infection Reyes syndrome aspirin} $Volume{A-20} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Chicken Pox Diagnosis and Treatment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I am a ten year old girl who has never had chickenpox. 16 days ago the girl who sits next to me in class broke out with them. Yesterday, I found two red bumps on my face with sort of a blister in them. I also have cold like symptoms, such as a full head, sore throat and runny nose. Do you think I have a very mild case of chickenpox, or should I wait and see if more spots appear? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: By the time you read this in your newspaper, the verdict will be in, but your question provides me with the opportunity to review the details of chickenpox (varicella) for all. Yes, I think you have it, probably in a mild form. Chickenpox is a highly communicable viral infection, and begins 11 to 15 days after exposure starting with the cold symptoms you described. The spots are red with a clear "tear drop" blister at first, and rapidly turn to crusty lesions within 6 to 8 hours. The rash comes in crops with new spots developing as old ones begin to fade away, and spread all over the body, but by the fifth or sixth days no new lesions will develop and even the crusts will be gone in less than 20 days. It's a very itchy disease, but don't scratch as this can provoke additional skin infection, and leave you with ugly little scars (pox marks). Usually wet compresses can control the itch. In severe cases, antihistamines may be used. Since some scratching always occurs, and since bacterial infection of the skin occurs frequently, it is a good idea to keep your nails clipped short, and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. As with all viral infections in young people, aspirin should not be taken, to prevent the development of Reyes Syndrome. I hope your case was a mild one, and that you are now back in school. You can let me know in your next letter. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.