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- $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.
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-
- Chicken Pox Diagnosis and Treatment
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-
- 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?
-
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-
- 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.
-
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-
- 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.
-