The first signs of chickenpox in a child. How does chickenpox proceed in a mild form? Features of the course of chickenpox in adults

This disease can be called the most common among all infectious diseases that only occur in children. A person can get chickenpox only once and in the future he develops strong immunity for the rest of his life. It is clear that in children this disease is much easier than in adults. But anyway, if chickenpox appeared in children, every parent should know the symptoms of this infectious disease. There is no need to worry about the disease; almost all children go through this ailment.

Many are interested in how chickenpox begins in children and where a child can catch this infection. It is worth noting that almost all children aged two to seven years get sick with it, especially if they go to kindergarten, because the infectious agent is very volatile and can penetrate into neighboring rooms and apartments.

Causes of the disease

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease, it is transmitted by airborne droplets through the mucous membranes of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Therefore, this disease got its name because of the method of transmission - “chickenpox”, since the virus is carried through the air (as if by wind). As soon as one child catches the virus in a children's institution, the first symptoms of chickenpox appear in the children of all the others. Children up to six months do not get sick with this disease, since the mother, even during the intrauterine development of the baby, transferred her immunity to him. Children older than seven to ten years of age get chickenpox, but much less frequently than younger children.

Therefore, it is very important to know what chickenpox looks like in children. Adults can also catch the infection, their disease is very severe.

Only sick people are the source of infection, because this virus is not adapted to the external environment and dies almost immediately as soon as it leaves the human body. The source of infection will be only the person whose disease occurs in active form, it begins two days before the first signs of chickenpox appear in a child. This explains the general infection, if your child had contact with a sick person, then we can say with one hundred percent certainty that he will also become infected. But on the street, especially in summer time the virus cannot exist.

Signs of the disease

Of course, every parent wants to know how chickenpox manifests itself in children in order to immediately recognize this insidious disease and start treatment on time. In our country, children with chickenpox are in quarantine, but in many European countries such sick children are not isolated from their peers, as doctors believe that it is better to have this disease in childhood than to suffer in adulthood.

This is what a chickenpox skin rash looks like

Incubation period

The incubation period for chickenpox in children is one to three weeks. At this time, the disease does not manifest itself in any way, and the parents do not even suspect that their child is ill, but the child becomes contagious to others from the time the virus enters it until the last skin rash occurs.

It is worth noting that the average duration of the incubation period of chickenpox in children is two weeks, and the shortest period is a week.

Further development of the disease

After the end of the incubation period, the first signs of chickenpox in a child may be:

• a sharp rise in temperature to 39 degrees and a little higher. And if in the future there were no skin rashes, then chickenpox can be confused with SARS. But it is worth noting that such a sharp increase in temperature does not always happen, in many cases the temperature does not exceed 37-37.5 degrees. Maybe even chickenpox without fever in children;
• the child begins to have a headache, a general feeling of weakness appears;
• the baby becomes irritable and is not interested in anything, he also sleeps and eats poorly;
• almost immediately after the temperature rises, a rash appears on the child's body. So it is considered the most important symptom of chickenpox in children. The first rashes appear on the face of the baby, because the virus enters through the respiratory tract, while small capillaries are affected. The rash is pinkish in color but does not appear on the palms and soles of the feet. These pink-reddish spots spread throughout the baby's body very quickly - in almost a couple of hours.

Literally a few hours after the first rash appears, the spots turn into small bubbles filled with liquid. Together with the appearance of bubbles, their unbearable itching begins, the child begins to comb the rash. Parents should be very careful not to let the baby scratch the rash, because the infection can easily be brought into the wounds.

In three days, the bubbles dry up and become covered with a dry crust of dark red color. But at this time, more and more rashes appear on the body, and the disease itself is characterized by a wave-like course. New bubbles appear over four to eight days, while the temperature can rise all the time. After this, the disease subsides, and the signs of chickenpox in children become less distinct. The crusts formed at the sites of the bubbles should fall off in two weeks. After them, small traces of a pale pinkish tint remain, with time they will pass. If the child constantly combed the bubbles or tore off the crusts, there may be small scars on the skin.

Chickenpox usually lasts for ten days after the first symptoms of chickenpox in children.

The symptoms of chickenpox in infants are the same as in older children.

Signs of chickenpox in infants

As already mentioned, up to six months the baby retains in the body the antibodies transmitted by the mother during pregnancy, so the overall immunity during this period of growth of the baby is strong. But in the future, while the baby develops his immunity, he can easily become infected with chickenpox. Babies who are breastfed by their mothers are much more likely to resist infection. Chickenpox in children up to a year is characterized by almost the same signs as in older children, namely:

1. a rash appears on the body and face of the baby in the form of mosquito bites. It quickly spreads to the whole body;
2. on the second day, the rash turns into bubbles with liquid inside;
3. along with the rash, the baby has a fever;
4. lymph nodes are enlarged.

After five days, the disease is no longer contagious, the rashes stop, the pimples slowly disappear. It is worth noting that in babies the disease can pass in different ways: easily, without any complications and with single skin rashes, or the disease torments the baby with intense heat and itching. The baby will not be able to tell you anything yet, so he does not sleep well, constantly cries, refuses to eat.

In very severe cases, a rash appears not only on the skin, but also on the mucous membranes, and this brings unbearable suffering to both the infant and his mother. Therefore, it is very important to know how chickenpox manifests itself in infants in order to help your child.

It is worth noting that after this disease there may be complications such as shingles, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and other infectious diseases.

windmill shapes

Doctors distinguish three forms of chickenpox, depending on how it proceeds:

1. mild form. Rashes are not widespread, some children are lucky and they get off with only single pimples. In this case, chickenpox occurs in children without a temperature that does not rise at all, and the duration of the appearance of acne is two or three days;
2. moderate form. Here the temperature rises to 38-39 degrees, the child has a headache, sleep is disturbed, and the rash is very itchy. The rash will be profuse and the pimples will appear within five to seven days;
3. severe form. New rashes raise the temperature even higher, it can be up to forty degrees. Severe headaches, nausea with vomiting, fever and delirium are present. New blisters appear within seven to ten days. The rash is severe, it appears in the mouth and on the genitals of the child.

Treatment of chickenpox in children

It is understandable that all parents want to know how to treat chickenpox in children. But this viral disease is not treated with antibiotics, they are prescribed only if a bacterial infection is added to the viral infection and suppuration of the blisters occurs. This is due to the fact that the child constantly scratches the rash and combs it. That is why, if chickenpox is diagnosed in children, treatment requires careful monitoring of the baby by parents.

Medications

The initial symptomatology is an increase in temperature, and if it is large, be sure to bring it down. Ibuprofen or Paracetamol will help alleviate the condition of the baby. Never give children aspirin!

The most common drug that fights the varicella-zoster virus is Acyclovir. It is most often prescribed to adults and adolescents who have chickenpox. Acyclovir for chickenpox in preschool and younger children school age it is prescribed only if the disease is in a very severe form, then the drug will help the child's body cope with the disease.

It is also prescribed for congenital chickenpox, including newborn children, because this infection in children up to a year old is very difficult if there is no immunity. With chickenpox in children, acyclovir is very effective; when ingested, the drug penetrates the cells affected by the virus, integrates into the DNA of the virus and prevents its reproduction. It is prescribed for oral administration, one or two tablets up to three times a day, the doctor selects the dosage. If the treatment is carried out in a hospital, and this is possible with a very severe form, then the medicine is administered in intravenous droppers.

How to deal with itching

One of the signs of chickenpox in children is severe itching at the site of the rash. This is the most difficult for the baby, because it is very difficult for him to refrain from combing the rash. The released sweat makes itching even stronger, so you need to maintain the optimum temperature in the room where the patient is located and change his underwear more often. It is best to wear clothes made of natural cotton fabrics for the child so that the body “breathes” and the child will sweat less.

Do you want something interesting?

It is impossible to bathe a baby in the bath during such an ailment, but you can take a quick shower. No one forbids personal hygiene, a warm shower will even help relieve itching a little. But there are some rules here:

• shower temperature is prohibited;
• water should be warm, not hot;
• it is forbidden to rub the baby with a washcloth and use soap;
• you can not wipe the child with a hard towel - you can accidentally tear off the crusts. It is best to blot it with a soft sheet or towel;
• if the doctor did not allow water procedures- it means that it is necessary, because he treats chickenpox in children and he knows better what can and cannot be done.

Very often, drugs such as Suprastin, Diazolin, Fenkarol and others are prescribed to relieve itching. But they cannot be treated on their own, the drugs are taken as prescribed by the doctor.

How and what to treat rashes

You already know that the most common symptom of chickenpox in children is a rash. Previously, it was treated with brilliant green, it helped to dry the rashes, and it was clear where new pimples appeared. Of course, there is nothing wrong with green, except for its terrible color, which makes the baby look like a frog. But if the child is small and has nothing against brilliant green, treat the rash with this drug. You need to smear pimples once cotton swab. After that, put on your child such pajamas or a T-shirt that you don’t mind getting dirty with green paint.

We process pimples with greenery

If you do not want to use this remedy, you can safely use other antiseptic preparations. There are various lotions against chickenpox. If you are interested in knowing how to treat chickenpox with such drugs in children, and which one is best to buy, then you can purchase Calamine lotion at the pharmacy, which will dry out pimples, relieve itching and have a cooling effect.

Treatment of chickenpox in infants

You already know that in children under one year old, chickenpox occurs unexpectedly and develops very quickly. First of all, you need to call a doctor who will prescribe a drug for allergies, he will reduce itching and alleviate the condition of the crumbs. If the baby has a high temperature, it is reduced by conventional drugs in the form of antipyretic suppositories and syrups. It can be Nurofen or Panadol. Rashes are smeared with brilliant green, fucorcin or other drugs that the local pediatrician will advise.

As for bathing: you can’t bathe a baby at a temperature, but if it’s normal, you can bathe a baby, just don’t rub pimples and don’t use soap.

General rules for the treatment of chickenpox

Treatment of chickenpox is carried out at home, with the exception of a very severe form of the disease, and then the baby is placed in a hospital. You already know how chickenpox looks like in children and it does not require special therapy. But to strengthen weakened children's immunity, you must follow these simple rules:

• take short walks with your child. You can walk after the stabilization of the baby's condition, and you see that things are on the mend. Dress him so that he does not sweat, in winter it is enough to walk for about twenty minutes, in summer it is advisable to walk more, but do not drive the child in direct sunlight. Do not let him come into contact with other children so that he does not infect them;
• fluid intake. During chickenpox, let your child drink plenty of water. Non-acidic natural juices diluted with water, herbal decoctions and teas are best suited;
• proper nutrition. Symptoms of chickenpox in children are such that they may refuse food, especially when the temperature is high. Do not force him to eat when he is sick, offer your baby a light snack and give him what he loves the most. But this does not mean that the baby needs to be literally “filled up” with sweets and cakes. Eliminate for a while salty, seasoned and spicy foods, as well as sour and smoked foods.

It is advisable to give the child milk porridge and broth. Useful and lean fish. Fruits include avocados and bananas.

Are chickenpox vaccines necessary?

The chickenpox vaccine for children appeared several years ago and is offered to be given to children from a year old who have not previously had this disease. The vaccine consists of live attenuated pathogens. The first time a child is vaccinated at 12-14 months, and after three or five years, it is possible to repeat the vaccination against chickenpox for children. In adolescence and adults in the absence of natural immunity, you need to be vaccinated twice, the interval between vaccinations is at least one month.

Some mothers are very worried about this and believe that such a vaccination will only harm their baby. But this is not true, most children tolerate vaccinations very well and they do not notice any adverse reactions. But if the child is often sick, you need to consult a pediatrician about vaccinations, since weak children are more likely to negative influence side effects after vaccination.

So you learned how chickenpox begins in children, how it proceeds and how to treat it. As you can see, there is no need for any difficult treatment, the most important thing is not to let the baby comb the rashes and give the sick child as much attention and care as possible.

This material is for informational purposes only, before using the information provided, it is necessary to consult with a specialist.

In children. It usually occurs between the ages of 5 and 10 years. After past illness immunity is maintained for life. This disease is highly contagious and is transmitted through direct contact with a sick child. Therefore, almost the entire group usually gets sick in kindergartens. chickenpox in a child does not appear immediately. After infection, 1-3 weeks pass, but the baby will be contagious even before the rash appears.

Chickenpox is caused by the herpes virus. Usually children are not seriously ill,

complications and high fever occur only in adults, so it is better to endure this disease in childhood. Pregnancy is especially dangerous.

The first signs of chickenpox in a child are similar to a common viral infection. He becomes capricious, weakness and malaise appear, sometimes pain in the throat or abdomen. The temperature rises. These symptoms appear at a time when the rash is not yet visible.

What signs of chickenpox are most characteristic of this disease? Of course it's a rash. When small red spots appear, which after a while turn into bubbles, you can easily determine that your child has chickenpox. The rash is most concentrated on the abdomen, chest, neck and face.

Then the rash spreads to the back, limbs, maybe even on the mucous membranes, which gives the most unpleasant sensations. After a few days, red spots turn into blisters with transparent contents. Then crusts appear, which after a while fall off on their own, leaving no traces.

The rash appears every few days, so you can notice all the stages of the rash on the body. Usually, these symptoms determine that the child has chickenpox. The first signs of photos of children show clearly. Each child has an individual number of rashes. They may be few, or they spread throughout the body.

Every mother should know the first signs of chickenpox in
child to start treatment on time. After all, the rash causes severe itching, and when combing the baby can bring an infection. In addition, if you peel off the crusts that form on the bubbles, then ugly scars will remain on the skin for life. If left untreated, complications can occur. Most often it is suppuration after combing the bubbles.

There are no special ones, antibiotics also do not act on the virus. It is desirable for the patient to lie down, drink a lot. At high temperatures, antipyretics are prescribed. For fast healing rashes they need to be lubricated daily with brilliant green. Carefully inspect the entire body of the baby, especially the folds and perineum, because untreated bubbles can fester.

It is also very important to observe sanitary and hygienic rules and a special diet that excludes allergens. It is necessary to give the baby vitamins and means to strengthen the immune system. Herbal baths are recommended to reduce itching, and in severe cases - antihistamines.

The first signs of chickenpox in a child must be able to recognize so as not to be confused with other diseases, such as measles. In addition, a sick child must be isolated from other children so that he does not spread the infection.

Chickenpox is a disease that most of us managed to get sick in childhood. However, having passed into the status of parents, yesterday's boys and girls are frightened when they see signs of an infectious disease in their own child. What are the symptoms of chickenpox, and why does the disease occur? We will tell you how to determine what the baby has chickenpox and what kind of help he needs after the diagnosis of this disease.

What is chickenpox, what does it look like: the first signs

Chickenpox, or, simply, chickenpox, is a childhood infectious disease. The causative agent is a variety of the Varicella Zoster herpes virus, which is transmitted from an infectious child to other members of the children's team.

The child, having become infected with chickenpox, at first will feel satisfactory. Only at the end of the latent period will the initial signs of chickenpox appear in the child.

The appearance of the rash with chickenpox

How to understand that the baby has chickenpox? Its distinguishing feature is a rash, which is a blisters filled with liquid:

• Rashes of pink color, which are convex nodules no more than 4-5 mm in diameter. Pimples very quickly begin to capture an increasing surface of the body, but it happens that they are localized only on the back, abdomen and on the folds of the limbs.
• At the same time, the baby may have a fever, aches in the joints, general weakness. There may be mild signs of respiratory illness.

Disease dynamics

The child fell ill with chickenpox - what is the dynamics of the onset of symptoms of this disease? The temperature occurs only at the beginning of the disease, then it gradually normalizes, and each nodule (papule) on the patient's body goes through several stages of transformation. After the appearance, it begins to fill with fluid and increase in size, turning into a vesicle. Then its contents become cloudy, and it bursts. From this moment, the healing of the wound begins - it is covered with a crust, which later disappears.

Pimples appear and disappear in waves. As long as it lasts acute stage diseases, on the body of children at the same time you can see a rash of varying degrees of maturation. The photo shows how papules, vesicles and drying crusts look.

In parallel with the rash, which often captures the face and even the head under the hair, enanthema may occur on the oral mucosa. These are the same pimples as on the body, but after they burst, a small sore with a yellow border remains in their place. After appropriate treatment, the wounds in the mouth heal.

You can see what the pimples look like by looking at the photo.

Children are more likely to get chickenpox younger age. At one year old baby and children under 12 years of age, the disease usually proceeds without complications, is easily tolerated, forming lifelong immunity. Teenager got chickenpox? The course of the disease will be more severe than in younger children. Worst of all, if chickenpox overtakes an adult, because in this case the disease is most difficult to tolerate.

Causes of the disease

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The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, and more often children bring it from kindergarten. In a confined space, the virus spreads rapidly, and as soon as someone from the team gets sick, new victims of the virus are immediately discovered. According to the rules, quarantine is declared in the group, the duration of which is three weeks from the date of registration of the disease. During this time, do any of the kids get chickenpox? Then the quarantine is extended.

Children who were not in the group at the time the virus was detected are not recommended to be taken to the garden during quarantine. However, some parents, on the contrary, bring the baby to the group (on receipt), because they want him to get chickenpox while he is small. Such a policy is designed to protect a person from the disease in the future.

The first signs of the disease at the initial stage

Chickenpox proceeds according to a typical scenario. After infection, an incubation period begins, which lasts an average of 2 days:

1. at this time, the virus does not appear, but it has already invaded the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, then entered the bloodstream;
2. together with the blood and lymph, Varicella Zoster spreads throughout the body, fixes itself in the cells of the skin and mucous membranes, starting its work there.

As a rule, the first signs of chickenpox in a child are a rash, accompanied by fever and general deterioration states. The first pimple (at the beginning of the illness, it looks like in the photo below) can appear anywhere - on the back, stomach, face, and after a couple of hours the rash covers most of the baby's body (we recommend reading:). Temperature and weakness disappear already on the second day, and the further course of the disease is characterized only by a rash.

Where do spots and nodules appear more often, where does the spread of infection begin? First of all, they occur on closed parts of the body - back, pope, abdomen. Rarely - on the arms and legs.

Forms of chickenpox

Despite the fact that chickenpox is for everyone known disease, it can proceed in different ways. There are two types of chickenpox - typical and atypical. The symptoms of typical chickenpox are described above.

Atypical chickenpox is rare and affects immunocompromised people. There are such forms of atypical chickenpox:

• Rudimentary - a hidden disease. Its symptoms are so insignificant that a person does not notice the disease.
• Pustular - this type of disease is usually noted in adults. Rashes (pustules) are in no hurry to dry out and turn into crusts. Over time, the contents of the blisters become cloudy and become purulent.
• Bullous - a rash on the skin becomes gigantic and difficult to treat. Symptoms of severe intoxication are also possible, after which the patient slowly and heavily recovers.
• Hemorrhagic and gangrenous - occurs in people with impaired blood clotting, which fills the pustules. Over time, ulcers and foci of necrosis form. Gangrenous form begins, which can cause death.
• Visceral - bubbles with liquid contents appear not only on the body, but also on the internal organs. It occurs in infants whose body is weakened. This form is deadly.

Parents at the initial stage may not notice a mild form of chickenpox at all

Chickenpox can be mild, moderate, or severe. A mild form of the disease manifests itself as follows:

• the rash does not cover the entire body, but only certain areas;
• the temperature remains normal or slightly elevated (37.1 -37.3 ° C);
• the general condition is satisfactory.

The moderate and severe forms are characterized by significant rashes all over the body, fever up to 40 ° C, as well as general malaise. The severe form can last longer than a week and cause complications.

How to diagnose the disease and understand that it is chicken pox?

Very rarely, chickenpox can be confused with another disease. It is possible to determine the presence of the Varicella Zoster virus at an early stage based on the results of studies (viroscopy, molecular biological). However, more often chickenpox is diagnosed by the appearance of pustules and vesicles - you can see how they look in the photo above:

• As a rule, a rash can be distinguished on the patient's body in different stages - the initial one is characterized by pink convex pimples, then they turn into pustules and vesicles filled with fluid, and crusts.
• You can also recognize the disease by a bright symptom - an enanthema appears in the mouth. In fact, this is the same rash as on the body, but forming on the mucosa.
• Around the bubble, a manifestation of a red rim is noticeable, and after the blister bursts, an ulcer forms in its place, which heals safely over time.

Why is windmill dangerous?

Chickenpox is not a dangerous disease, since most patients tolerate it relatively easily. However, one in twenty patients may develop complications. Consider the most common:

• Bacterial skin lesions, when vesicles burst and appear in their place purulent formations(abscesses).
• Inflammation of the lungs, provoked by the chickenpox virus, which has penetrated into the alveoli of the respiratory organs.
• Inflammation of the brain - encephalitis. Occurs when a virus destroys nerve cells in the brain. As a rule, signs of complications appear closer to the end of the disease - 5 to 21 days after the first symptoms. Dizziness, nausea, lethargy, loss of consciousness are possible.
• A complication of the heart is myocarditis. Symptoms of dysfunction of the heart muscle - high fever, rapid heartbeat, the appearance of chest pain.
• Lymphadenitis. The disease can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes, usually under the armpits, in the groin, on the neck.
• Nephritis is a disease of parts of the kidneys called glomeruli that can develop by the end of the second week of chickenpox.
• Complication of pregnancy. In the early stages, the infection can cause a miscarriage, or lead to a lag in the development of the fetus. On the later dates carrying a child, the disease of the mother can create conditions for the formation of chickenpox syndrome in the crumbs.

First aid and effective treatments

Consider how chickenpox should be treated. Since the disease is caused by a virus, effective ways there is no effect on it. The main task is to prevent complications and enable the body to overcome the infection on its own. It is equally important not to let the baby comb the wounds, so that scars or pockmarks do not form in their place over time.

Medical preparations

Treatment of rashes is considered a key treatment for chickenpox. Pimples can not be treated with an antiseptic, but then during combing, the baby can introduce an infection (bacterial) into the wound:

1. Nodules and pustules are lubricated with brilliant green, a solution of potassium permanganate, Fukortsin. The procedure is carried out 3-4 times a day.
2. To relieve itching and to avoid scratching, a small patient is given antihistamines. Pediatricians usually prescribe Fenistil or Zodak in drops. Older children can be given Suprastin 1/2 tablet at bedtime.
3. Antiviral drugs, such as Acyclovir, are also used to treat chickenpox. It can be taken in tablets, and lubricated with ointment for rashes. However, Acyclovir is more often used in severe cases of the disease and only in the initial stage. Before use, you need to read the description of the drug with explanations of the dosage.
4. The baby has signs of intoxication of the body - fever, headache and body aches? It makes sense to give him painkillers. As a rule, babies are prescribed Nurofen, Panadol, Efferalgan.

Hygiene

How to properly care for a child during an exacerbation of the disease and is it possible to bathe him? This question is still a matter of controversy among medical professionals. Foreign pediatricians recommend bathing the baby, regardless of the stage of the disease, trying not to damage the pustules.

Domestic experts are usually against water procedures. You can bathe a son or daughter only after the acne has begun to dry out. They argue such a ban by the fact that during bathing, the bubbles can be damaged and become infected. However, on hot days, a periodic shower is necessary - a sweaty child will imperceptibly comb itchy and irritated skin.

It is important to choose underwear and clothes made from natural fabrics, as well as to monitor their cleanliness. This is necessary in order not to provoke itching on the affected areas of the body. You also need to control the cleanliness of the baby's hands, cut their nails on time. It can scratch the vesicles, promoting the spread of the virus to healthy skin and infection pathogenic bacteria burst sores.

Drinking regime

During any illness, the child needs a sufficient amount of fluid. If at first the baby has a high temperature and intoxication - even more so. What should be the daily dosage of liquid? The calculation of the daily volume is made according to the age of the child. For example, a 3-year-old baby needs 105 ml of water per 1 kg of weight per day. For an older child (7 years old) - 95 ml per kilogram of weight.

In this case, you should give the child not only water, but also other drinks - tea, compote, fruit drink. A baby can receive part of the liquid volume as part of liquid dishes - soups.

Folk remedies

There are folk remedies to combat chickenpox. It is believed that blueberries inhibit the virus, so it is recommended to use them fresh and as juice, compote, fruit drink. Among the many folk recipes the following can be distinguished:

Chamomile decoction is a good helper in the fight against chickenpox

• baths. Prepare decoctions medicinal herbs- chamomile, lemon balm, sage and add to bathing water. Soda baths are also shown, which have an antiseptic and antipruritic effect.
• Rubbing. Boil 1 glass of barley in one liter of water, strain. Use decoction to wipe stains. This method helps relieve itching.
• Herbal infusions for oral administration. Take 2 tbsp. l. dry mixture of chamomile, coltsfoot, calendula, chicory, immortelle and burdock, pour into a thermos and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Infuse for eight hours, drink half a glass three times a day.

Therapy for young children

Children under one year old rarely get chickenpox, but if a child is infected from 6 months old, it is possible severe course. As a rule, there is a high temperature (about 40 ° C), tearfulness and a rash, which quickly turns into purulent form. At this age, it is important to call a doctor who can recommend hospitalization.

Chickenpox is an infectious viral disease that almost everyone has been ill with. In most cases, chickenpox in children is mild, unless we are talking about a weakened immune system or infancy. What are the first symptoms of the disease, how does it manifest itself, how long does it last, and should it be treated at all?

What do you need to know about windmill?

Varicella-zoster virus is the name of the causative agent of chickenpox. It belongs to the herpesvirus family and is also known as the herpes zoster virus. It is noteworthy that animals are resistant to chickenpox, it is transmitted only from person to person. Varicella-zoster is extremely contagious, the susceptibility of the human body to it is simply unique, it is 100%. In addition, it is quite volatile, together with air currents it is able to cover a distance of up to 20 meters. The virus dies when heated, ultraviolet irradiation, exposed to sunlight. If we talk about how long he survives in the open air, then on average this time does not exceed 10 minutes.

Despite the fact that chickenpox in children most often occurs in a mild form, the disease should not be taken lightly. Once in the body, the virus not only affects the skin and nerve endings, but also affects vital organs - the brain, lungs, genitourinary system, gastrointestinal tract.

How is the disease transmitted?

Most often, children get chickenpox in autumn and winter. First of all, this is due to seasonal diseases, weakening of the immune system.

Chickenpox can be transmitted in several ways.

1. Airborne. The causative agent is easily released into the environment when sneezing, coughing, screaming. The smallest drops of pharyngeal and nasal mucus, along with air currents, are carried over a considerable distance. Chickenpox spreads rapidly at school, kindergarten, any children's team.
2. From a pregnant woman to a fetus. Pretty rare infection. Chickenpox in the 1st and 3rd trimester is very dangerous for a child, it threatens with damage to the organs of vision, the central nervous system, tissue deformities, and underdevelopment of the limbs. In some cases, the disease leads to the death of the fetus.

By contact, through third parties, chickenpox is not transmitted, the pathogen quickly dies outside the body. However, it should be borne in mind that an infected carrier begins to secrete the virus during the incubation period. Already 2 days before the appearance of the first rashes, when the disease is just beginning and it is still impossible to recognize it, such a child already carries a danger to others. If we talk about how long the child continues to be contagious, then usually after 5 days from the moment the last element of the rash was registered, contact with him becomes completely safe. Most often, chickenpox affects children aged 4-6 years (90% of cases). It is noteworthy that if the mother of a child had chickenpox in childhood, then up to 6 months he cannot become infected (thanks to the antibodies that were transmitted during pregnancy through the placenta).

Forms

modern medicine distinguishes several forms of chickenpox - typical and atypical. Chickenpox of a typical nature can be mild, moderate or severe. In the first case, the child's condition is satisfactory, the areas of rashes are insignificant, and the duration of the disease is 4-5 days.

Average and severe forms imply a large amount of rash, the child has a high body temperature, severe itching, weakness in the body, intoxication, vomiting may begin.

Atypical chickenpox affects only children with a weakened body or altered immunity. It is divided into three types.

1. Rudimentary chicken pox. It proceeds almost asymptomatically, parents may not even realize that their children are sick.
2. Hemorrhagic chickenpox. It is characterized by multiple hemorrhages, the vesicles of the rash are filled with blood. This form of chickenpox most often affects children with impaired blood clotting.
3. Gangrenous varicella. On the child's skin, multiple foci of necrosis are formed, it becomes covered with ulcers, the body temperature rises significantly. Can lead to death from intoxication.

Signs of chickenpox in children

It is impossible to recognize chickenpox from the first days. The first symptoms of the disease do not appear immediately, the incubation period of chickenpox is 5–21 days. However, in children, as a rule, it is somewhat shorter - 7-14 days on average. Most often, the child suffers from a mild form of chickenpox and no signs of the disease are observed until the rash appears on the body. However, sometimes symptoms similar to SARS appear in a few days.

So, the first signs of chickenpox in children are usually the following:

• weakness;
• drowsiness;
• runny nose;
• sore throat;
• increased body temperature;
• chills;
• loss of appetite;
• headache.

1. the appearance of red spots with a diameter of up to 4 mm;
2. the formation of papules or vesicles with fluid;
3. drying, the appearance of crusts.

It is worth noting that rashes do not appear in a child at one moment, but for about 5 days. All this period, spots, papules, and crusts are visible on his body. With a large amount of rash, there is most often a high body temperature, there is severe itching. After 5 days, new spots stop appearing, and old rashes gradually dry out and disappear. If they are not combed, then there will be no scars after the disease, since all processes take place in the upper layers of the epidermis.

Treatment

How to treat chickenpox? If a child has symptoms of chickenpox, then the first thing parents need to do is call a doctor. In no case should you take him to the hospital yourself, this can lead to the infection of a large number of children. If the baby has a high body temperature, vomiting has begun, then it is worth calling an ambulance team, this may indicate a severe form of the disease. At this time, the child needs to be reassured, washed with cool water, and allowed to rinse his mouth. Then it is best to put the baby on his side, because if vomiting starts again, lying on his back, he may choke. Whenever possible, give the child to drink, this will help to avoid dehydration.

With a mild form of the disease, body temperature, as a rule, does not rise much, and treatment occurs at home. The strategy is usually as follows.

1. Bed rest. It is prescribed for a period until the child's symptoms of intoxication disappear.
2. Sparing diet. The patient needs to drink heavily, but it is better to feed moderately. Fried, smoked, fatty foods should be excluded from the diet. It is also worth limiting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially allergenic ones.
3. Rash treatment. How to smear chickenpox? Fresh rashes can be spotted with brilliant green, "Fukortsin" or Castellani liquid.
4. Regular measurement of body temperature. If it rises above 38 degrees, then the baby should be given an antipyretic (Panadol, Paracetamol or Nurofen). With a fever, if the child does not lose temperature, vomiting has begun, you need to call an ambulance.
5. Elimination of itching. To make the child less itchy, he is given antihistamines (Fenistil, Zodak, Suprastin). Especially itchy spots can be spot-treated with antipruritic agents for external use (Fenistil ointment and others). Care must be taken to ensure that the child does not overdose.
6. Special preparations. Against chickenpox, antiherpetic antiviral agents (Acyclovir, Valciclovir, Zovirax) are most effective, but they have side effects. Therefore, if the baby easily tolerates the disease, treat him special preparations not worth it. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe treatment with more "light" antiviral drugs, such as Isoprinosine, Groprinosine, Novirin.

If the child has a fever, do not even think about using acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) to relieve the heat. With chickenpox, aspirin has an extremely negative effect on the liver, such treatment often leads to complications (Reye's syndrome).

Why are children smeared with green paint?

Often the first thing that worries parents is how to smear chickenpox when the child is sick. Curiously, contrary to popular belief, the use of a solution of brilliant green does not have a therapeutic effect. Doctors recommend smearing fresh rashes mainly so that it is clear when they stop appearing. This is how you can determine that the child has ceased to be contagious. That is, brilliant green is needed only to mark new foci. How to smear chickenpox besides brilliant green? Yes, anything - the rash is treated with "Fukortsin", a 5% solution of manganese, if you want to leave the child's body clean, you can use the Calamine, Tsindol lotion or simply wipe the rash with boiled water and soda.

How to alleviate the condition of the baby?

Chickenpox in children is always accompanied severe itching. But how to help the baby, because combing the rash is fraught with inflammation and worsening of the patient's condition? There are several ways.

1. Ventilate the room often, cool the room. In the heat, the baby sweats - and the itching intensifies.
2. Wear cotton underwear and change it as often as possible. Synthetic clothing additionally irritates the skin, it does not breathe and sweats more.
3. Take a cool bath with baking soda or a weak solution of manganese. Cool water in itself reduces itching, and soda and potassium permanganate dry the skin and relieve irritation. After taking a bath, you can not wipe the child, you can only gently blot the skin with a soft towel.

Remember to trim your baby's nails regularly, otherwise he will quickly scratch the rash. For very tiny children, it is best to wear anti-scratches (cotton mittens).

Forecast

If the treatment of chickenpox was started in a timely manner, then even with a severe course of the disease, the prognosis is good. Complications can arise only in the presence of immunodeficiency, after radiotherapy, in children infected with HIV, with congenital pathology of immunity links. In addition, a dubious prognosis in babies whose mother fell ill with chickenpox for 5 and less days before giving birth.

After how many days can a child attend school or kindergarten? The patient is no longer contagious after all the blisters have crusted over, about 5 days after the rash appears. From this moment on, the baby can be taken for a walk. However, it is still too early for him to join the children's team, since the transferred chicken pox for some time reduces immunity. In order for the child’s body to become strong enough, it will be necessary to avoid crowded places for another 2-3 weeks in order not to catch a new infection. After the illness, the baby develops immunity to chicken pox, and in 97% it remains for life.

Complications

It is worth noting that chickenpox in children rarely gives complications. Basically, they occur due to scratching of the vesicles and the addition of a bacterial infection.

Let's list everything possible complications chickenpox:

• sepsis;
• encephalitis;
• phlegmon;
• abscesses;
• neuritis peripheral nerves;
• pneumonia;
• Reye's syndrome.

Most often, complications occur against the background of dehydration, so if a child has chickenpox, do not forget to drink plenty of water.

Prevention

Basically, preventive measures consist in isolating a child with chickenpox for 21 days. But there is also specific prophylaxis chicken pox - vaccination.

However, due to the fact that children's chickenpox is less dangerous than an adult, it is carried out in extremely rare cases:

• children who receive chemotherapy;
• after organ transplant;
• with leukemia;
• lupus
• systemic scleroderma;
• HIV-infected;
• premature babies weighing up to 1 kg;
• newborns whose mothers did not have chickenpox and were not vaccinated.

In the territory Russian Federation using the Varilrix vaccine. Since 2009, it has been used as part of the Regional Immunization Programs and fully complies with the requirements of WHO (World Health Organization).

Some parents specifically bring the child to a patient with chickenpox so that the child gets sick as soon as possible and receives lifelong immunity. However, this method of infection is much more dangerous than vaccination. The body perceives the "wild" virus much worse than the weakened strain.

Every parent should be prepared for the fact that sooner or later he will have to deal with chickenpox and will need to correctly recognize it. Chickenpox is essentially a childhood illness. If treatment is started in a timely manner, the young body tolerates it much easier than an adult. However, you need to understand that it manifests itself in different ways. If the child has a high temperature, vomiting or fever begins, then it is worth calling an ambulance. It is also important to keep the infected baby in isolation for as long as the doctor says (at least 5 days). Compliance with all recommendations proper care and treatment will help the child to cope with the disease faster and easier.

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In difficult periods, when a child becomes infected with an infection, parents begin to panic and try to help the baby, not knowing about the dangers of their actions. In the case of chickenpox, which is considered a mild childhood illness, the poor child is closed within four walls and outlined green dots. Let's look at the nature of the course of chickenpox and determine the correctness of certain actions of parents in relation to a sick baby.

What is baby chickenpox

The infection is caused by a very mild microorganism of the herpes virus called Varicella zoster. It belongs to the third type of the herpes family. You should know that the first and second types cannot be sources of chickenpox in humans.

The most dangerous places where the pathogen is transmitted are enclosed spaces, medical and preschool institutions. There is always a large crowd of people, including children. Herpes is a particularly contagious disease, which is expressed in a 100% probability of illness when the virus enters the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes. Contrary to the opinion of illiterate adults, chickenpox cannot be infected if:

• are on the street;
• communicate with relatives of a sick child;
• play with his toys;
• are in the sandbox after the child with chickenpox.

These rules are relevant if some time has passed after contact with an infected child and his belongings or relatives. The herpes microorganism dies under ultraviolet radiation in a few minutes, and heating or sudden cooling also has a detrimental effect on it.

Most often, children get infected in kindergartens and other educational organizations. Airborne transmission of chickenpox contributes to the spread of viruses throughout the room. And when using ventilation, microorganisms even get to other floors of the building. On the difficulty of prevention mass destruction in the focus, the latent form of the disease is very affected.

During the incubation period, which ranges from 7 to 21 days, the child does not feel any ailments at all. But for the last 1-2 days of this time before the appearance of the first real symptoms chickenpox, he is already a carrier of the infection and a threat to others.

Modern medicine is increasingly inclined towards the practice of foreign pediatricians, who recommend not to limit the children's group from communicating with such a child.

This is due to the following factors:

• children carry chickenpox in a mild form;
• antibodies to herpes are produced naturally;
• general immunity allows you not to be afraid of the recurrence of chickenpox in the team;
• all group members acquire lifetime protection against the Zoster virus.

This practice shows a decrease in the percentage of infected adults who did not have chickenpox before due to the strict quarantine conditions. For an aged person, this virus can cause complications and serious illnesses, which often lead to disability.

Symptoms of chickenpox in children

On the initial stage development infectious disease there is a reproduction of herpes in the layer of the epithelium of the mucous membranes. After some time, they are absorbed into lymphatic system and then enter the blood. The pathogens are transported in the bloodstream to the cells. internal organs and damage the skin. In the case of moderate and severe chickenpox, the mucous membranes are affected by herpes gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system and even brain cells.

To reproduce, the Zoster virus needs to invade a host cell. These cells become the tissues of the epidermis. On the onset acute period disease, such a process is displayed in the appearance of rashes on the body. Some children show symptoms in the form of prodromal events at the end of the incubation period.

These are such types of ailments as:

• an increase in body temperature from low readings of 37 C to 39.5 C;
• headaches;
• weakness in muscles and joints;
• signs of intoxication in the form of nausea, vomiting, etc.

See also: chickenpox (chickenpox)

At the same time, the child begins to show anxiety, becomes nervous, loses appetite and sleep. Attentive parents will be concerned about such behavior and help the baby to survive this period more easily. If the child’s immunity responds in a timely manner and actively resists viruses, then initial signs usually doesn't happen. The disease is immediately marked by a chickenpox rash.

Red pimples are a very characteristic phenomenon for chickenpox. Their development consists of several stages, by the presence of which a specialist can accurately diagnose a viral infection in a child. First, a few flat reddish spots appear on the body, in any part of it. During the day, they turn into enlarged pimples of a dense form, which are called papules. They come in a variety of sizes, and in severe chickenpox, they can coalesce to form extensive skin lesions.

After this, vesicles are formed - vesicles with liquid. In the normal course of the disease, they contain a transparent composition, and with the development of inflammation, they are filled with a cloudy or bloody consistency. When the pressure of the liquid inside the bubble increases, the thin surface layer bursts, releasing the liquid to the outside. A weeping vesicle is susceptible to the influence of pyogenic bacteria, so you must:

• treat rashes with antiseptics;
• observe general hygiene;
• bathe the child several times a day;
• trim the nails of young children.

Natural protection of wounds is formed after the pimples dry. Their surface is covered with a dense crust. You need to know in advance that from the moment the elements of the rash appear, new elements will appear for several days. This is a manifestation of the acute period of chickenpox, when there will be pimples on the torso, face and scalp different stages development: from spots to crusts.

Chickenpox and how to treat it

There is a mild form of chickenpox of an atypical nature, when the baby has all the processes of development and the fight against viruses in a latent form, despite the fact that after recovery he receives full-fledged stable immunity. Some signs may be a few spots or papules on the skin that disappear before going through a full development cycle. At this time, the child feels some malaise, weakness and lethargy.

Chickenpox in infants occurs in very rare cases, since at birth the baby receives passive immunity from the mother. Up to 6 months, the child is protected by the antibodies of a woman who had an infection in childhood. And until the year or the end of the breastfeeding period, the baby receives them with mother's milk.

But if a pregnant woman did not receive protection at an early age, then there is a possibility of infection with the herpes virus of the third type during childbearing. This is fraught with serious consequences if infected during the first trimester or a few days before delivery.

Congenital chickenpox in infants has a severe course and can lead to complications such as:

• brain inflammation;
• defeat of the central nervous system;
• development of skin necrosis;
• disorders of the musculoskeletal system;
• respiratory depression.

Children with such a complex form of chickenpox should be observed by a doctor in a hospital. To maintain the immunity of the mother and child, immunostimulating drugs and antiviral drugs are shown in certain safe doses.

With rashes on the surface of the skin, the child constantly feels severe itching. It is a consequence of the influence of toxins that viruses release during their life. This is a certain allergic reaction of skin cells. This effect is especially strongly influenced by secretion sweat glands.

To help the baby and reduce itching, you need to bathe him in cool water as often as possible. You can take short baths with a solution of potassium permanganate. After each intake of water procedures, you need to lubricate the elements of the rash. by special means.

See also: How to smear festering sores with chickenpox?

The most popular and effective are:

• Calamine and Zinc ointment;
• Fenistil-gel and Loratadine;
• Baneocin and Miramistin;
• Viferon and Zovirax.

A lot has been said about the use of brilliant green as a panacea for all skin diseases. But we repeat that the treatment of a rash with chickenpox with a solution of brilliant green is completely ineffective. Moreover, the ethyl alcohol included in its composition is able to be absorbed into the skin of a child, dry and irritate the affected tissues of the epidermis.

A rash on the mucous membranes appears quite often. At the same time, the child begins to refuse food, which is associated with painful sensations in oral cavity. Elements of rashes can affect not only the oral mucosa, but also the nasopharynx, inner surface eyelids, genitals. The development of rashes on the epithelium is faster, bypassing the stage of crust formation.

To speed up the healing of wounds, the specialist will prescribe frequent rinsing with medicinal solutions, for example, Miramistin, Chamomile decoctions and washing the eye with saline.

Each new wave of eruptions is accompanied by a feverish state. To reduce body temperature, it is recommended to use proven products such as Paracetamol, Nurofen, Ibuklin. Today, every parent should know that with chickenpox, it is contraindicated for a child to give Acetylsalicylic acid in any form. It has been proven that when ingested, it provokes severe inflammation of the liver and disruption of the brain. An infected child can be a threat of chickenpox in people who are at risk:

• pregnant women - a threat of the development of fetal pathologies is possible;
• old people - activation of latent viruses provokes the occurrence of shingles;
• weakened - in people with reduced immunity, chickenpox leaves especially serious consequences.

The specially created drug Acyclovir is considered the most effective in the treatment of children and adults. His active substance capable of destroying the structure of the herpes virus. But the use of this remedy for a mild form of chickenpox is not rational, since it is enough to remove the symptoms of the disease so that the child feels normal and restores health in a natural way.

After recovery, chickenpox viruses in the body are not destroyed in fully, but only blocked "under the supervision" of antibodies in the cells of the ganglions. Thus, we constantly carry the causative agent of this virus in the body and with a sharp decrease immune protection due to illness, stress, heavy prolonged exercise or radiation therapy, herpes varicella zoster manifests itself in the form of another disease - herpes zoster.

Methods for the prevention of chickenpox in children

It is very difficult to avoid infection with the herpes virus of the third type. And for active and healthy children, this is almost impossible.

Methods for preventing the development of infection in children can be:

Today in our country there is a voluntary vaccination against chicken pox. Two types of preparations produced in Belgium and Japan are supplied for use in preventive measures. So far, they have not been included in the annual mandatory vaccination calendar, but mass vaccination is carried out for children from 2 years old.

On the territory of developed countries, observations are being made of people vaccinated against chickenpox 40 years ago. The results of these observations show the presence of stable immunity to herpes throughout this period.

Vaccination is carried out for people of any age from the first year of life, who have no contraindications to the administration of the drug. It is absolutely recommended for people with chronic problems, the elderly and those at risk. The chickenpox vaccine is not given during pregnancy. Therefore, every young girl needs to think about her own protection and the protection of future children, having been vaccinated no later than three months before planning and conceiving a child.

Chickenpox in children - symptoms and treatment

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Chickenpox in children, the course of the disease, the principles of treatment

Chickenpox is a disease that most of us had to get over. It is considered a mild childhood illness and usually does not cause serious concern to parents. Anxiety and fears begin when the child has a fever, the whole body is covered with a strange rash and the state of health deteriorates sharply. Then already most of the parents begin to worry, to be interested in how to alleviate the condition of the child, whether it was possible to avoid infection and, of course, are taken for fun folk art- painting the child with greenery.

In order not to panic and do something stupid when chickenpox already comes to the house, it is necessary to prepare for its arrival in advance - find out what it is, whether this coming can be prevented, and also how to properly treat a sick child.

What is chickenpox and how is it infected

Chickenpox or chickenpox is a viral disease caused by a type of herpes virus. The main symptoms of chickenpox are an increase in temperature to fairly high levels and a characteristic papulovesicular rash, while headache, lethargy, and loss of appetite can be observed. It is important to keep in mind that a child becomes contagious about 2 days before symptoms of the disease appear. And the symptoms themselves appear almost simultaneously.

The chickenpox virus is able to infect the cells of the skin epithelium, which leads to characteristic changes in it. First, red spots appear, which in just a few hours turn into small bubbles filled with a clear liquid. Already on the second day, the liquid inside the bubbles becomes cloudy, and they safely wrinkle and become covered with a crust. After about a week, the crust falls off and the pimple disappears, as a rule, without a trace, but if you tear off the crust or injure the pimple, a small scar may remain. New rashes appear over the course of several days, from two to five, depending on the severity of the course of the disease.

It is very easy to get chickenpox, it is enough to communicate with a sick child. The chance of contracting chickenpox in an unaffected child is almost 100%. But it must be borne in mind that the chickenpox virus cannot exist outside the human body, therefore, if you do not contact directly with a sick person, the probability of infection is zero.

Chickenpox: is it worth it to be afraid and avoid infection

As we have already said, chickenpox is a disease that does not cause serious concern among parents and doctors. In most children, it proceeds very easily, often parents do not even notice when their child has been ill. But this only applies to children under 12 years of age. If the child does not get sick before this time, then the older he gets, the more dangerous this disease is for him. In adults, chickenpox is very difficult.

Does this mean that it is necessary to try at all costs to infect your child with chickenpox? Of course not, if you didn’t get sick with a “wild virus” in childhood or just don’t want to expose yourself or your child to unnecessary risk, and waste time getting sick, you can just get vaccinated against this disease. In many countries, the chickenpox vaccine is part of the national calendar vaccinations, so the probability of "catching" the virus in the children's team is extremely small. In our country, this vaccination is not mandatory, but for those who have not been ill in childhood, doctors recommend doing it.

Most of us know that you only get chickenpox once in a lifetime. Antibodies developed during illness protect a person all his life, but the herpes virus continues to live in the body, simply in an inactive form due to the influence of antibodies. Despite this, many parents worry about whether the child will get sick a second time. Unfortunately, there is such a possibility, but this is an exception to the rule. This happens if the immune system could not produce antibodies for the first time.

Many have heard of such a disease as shingles. The cause of its appearance is the same herpes virus that causes chickenpox. Normal human immunity suppresses the virus living in the body, but if the immune system fails, it can become activated and cause a relapse of the disease. Fortunately, this is extremely rare.

Chickenpox: the course of the disease and features of treatment

A feature of the windmill is a wave-like flow. Bubbles appear in series of several dozen pieces. During the appearance of bubbles, the temperature rises, and the general condition worsens. This is absolutely normal and indicates that the body is actively fighting the virus. After about five days, the patient's condition improves. By the way, with a severe course of the disease, a rash can appear not only on the skin, but also inside the body.

Most parents, when their child gets chickenpox, are in no hurry to call a doctor, but treat it on their own. This is not surprising, in most cases a doctor is needed only for the correct diagnosis, and you can cure the child yourself. Main principle treatment of chickenpox - try to alleviate the patient's condition until the immune system itself defeats the virus.

With chickenpox, the temperature can often rise to high levels. If it has confidently exceeded 38 degrees and / or causes discomfort in the child, the temperature must be reduced. Any drug based on paracetamol or ibuprofen is suitable for this. But in no case should aspirin be used to treat chickenpox. Aspirin itself is a good medicine, but when combined with chickenpox, it can lead to serious liver damage.

Second no less unpleasant symptom- itchy rash. Constant itching causes discomfort to the child, makes him nervous and itchy, and worsens the general condition. Exuding sweat significantly increases the itching, so it is necessary to monitor the temperature in the room, adequately dress the child and limit motor activity. Clothing and bedding should be made of natural breathable fabric.

Well help to cope with itching water procedures. Previously, children were often forbidden to swim with chickenpox, but modern pediatricians, on the contrary, recommend taking a barely warm shower or bath. Of course, using a washcloth or rubbing the skin with a towel is prohibited.

It is very important for a child with chickenpox to ensure comfort and drink plenty of fluids. During this period, children can be fed only at will, with something not burdensome. The first days, if you feel really bad, you need to lie down in bed, then you can start walking a little. After the new rashes stop appearing, it is necessary to wait 5 days, from that time the child is no longer contagious and can communicate with other children.

The use of drugs in the treatment of chickenpox

As we have said, the varicella-zoster virus is a very close relative of herpes simplex. This suggests the idea of ​​using the well-known acyclovir against him. This drug is really used in the treatment of chickenpox, but only in situations where the body cannot overcome the virus itself. Aciclovir is often prescribed to adults and adolescents who are difficult to tolerate the disease, and children, in most cases, easily fuse with the virus without the help of drugs. The use of acyclovir for the treatment of children is justified only in two cases:

• if the disease proceeds in a very complex form;
• if there were cases of a severe course of the disease in the family.

A lot of questions are raised by the treatment of the rash. Previously, in our country, all children with chickenpox were treated with brilliant green. There is nothing wrong with this, but it also brings a minimum of benefits, rather, it is just a folk remedy. The main and indisputable advantage of brilliant green over other disinfectants is its bright color. As soon as you notice that the child's pimples are all green and there are no new ones, in five days the child will become non-contagious. If you do not follow the number of acne, then you can safely use any antiseptic or not use anything at all.

A new look at an old disease (video "Chickenpox)"

We are all used to treating chickenpox as a mild illness, which, apart from an unpleasant itch and some weakness, no longer brings any problems. But the consequences of chickenpox can be much worse. After a rash, scars can remain on the skin, and with a decrease in immunity, the virus can become active and return in the form of shingles. That is why modern doctors are increasingly recommending vaccination against chickenpox and preventing the disease.

medvoice.ru

How is chickenpox in children?

Chickenpox in children is a viral infectious disease. Characteristic features: acute onset, moderate general intoxication, fever and spotty-vesicular rash.

Chicken pox is an infectious disease characterized by an acute but benign course. The virus causes the disease, which has a high degree of volatility and is easily carried by air currents. Hence the name "windmill". The danger for infection is a sick person from the end of the incubation period to the stage of falling off of the crusts. Susceptibility to the virus is high.

The virus itself is unstable in the external environment. It is detrimental to external factors: the rays of the sun, temperature fluctuations, disinfectants.

How to recognize the onset of chickenpox in children? The virus, once in the area of ​​the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, penetrates deeper into the respiratory passages and, having penetrated into the epithelial cells, actively multiplies. The disease has not yet manifested itself outwardly. This stage of the disease is called the incubation period and can last from two to three weeks.

Then, having multiplied in sufficient quantities, the viruses enter the blood and lymphatic vessels and through them quickly enter all organs and systems of the body. There is a fever and almost simultaneously rashes on the body characteristic of smallpox.

Symptoms of chickenpox in children

After the latent, or incubation, period of development of the pathogen is over, the first signs appear this disease with rapid onset of symptoms. The condition of the children is deteriorating.

The appearance begins to attract attention:

• Weakness and lethargy;
• Body temperature quickly rises to 40 degrees;
• The child is irritable and naughty for no reason;
• Refuses to eat;
• Complains of a headache.

Soon, during the day, the skin becomes covered with a rash. Initially, the elements of the rash look like pink spots, small in size - 2-4 mm in diameter. After a few hours, they begin to protrude above the skin and turn into nodules (papules), and then filled with a clear liquid with a yellowish tinge, which are called vesicles. At this time, children feel severe itching.

After 1-2 days, the bubbles begin to burst, dark crusts appear on the skin. They stay in place of the wound for 10-15 days, then fall off, and pigmented spots remain in their place. If the child did not peel off the crusts ahead of time, after recovery, there are no traces of rashes. In the same cases, when children scratch itchy vesicles, traces of scars can remain for life.

The rash begins to appear on the skin of the face, gradually capturing the entire head, then spots appear on the back, abdomen, arms and legs. Rashes rarely appear on the palms and feet. The most unpleasant thing is when rashes appear not only on the skin, but also in the mucous membranes, affecting the oral cavity, eyes, and external genitalia.

The peculiarity of chickenpox is that every one or two days fresh elements of the rash appear on the skin. Thus, on the body of a sick child at one time there is all their diversity.

Chickenpox can occur with a different number of rashes. There may be a large number of them, or in rare cases they may be completely absent.

Signs of a child's recovery are the absence of new rashes, combined with a gradual improvement in well-being.

Forms of chickenpox in children

It is very difficult to unequivocally answer the question about the duration of the disease in children. It all depends on the state of the child's immune system. On average, new spots stop appearing after a week, after which the recovery period begins. Chickenpox marks on the skin disappear within three weeks.

In case of illness, you should definitely consult a doctor, since different forms of chickenpox, as well as the age of the child and his state of health, require an individual approach to therapy.

The disease often proceeds without complications and may have a mild, moderate or severe course. Atypical forms of chickenpox are rare.

The mild form of chickenpox is not accompanied by fever and other symptoms, only a very small number of spots may appear, which are not even always paid attention to. This form of the disease does not cause complications.

Varicella of moderate severity is characterized by the appearance of spots and other elements of the rash familiar to chickenpox, and symptoms of poisoning by the waste products of viruses; The temperature stays around 38 degrees. The child is naughty. His condition is rapidly deteriorating.

Children rarely suffer from a severe form of this disease, mainly adult population, and children with this form are usually not yet a year old. The sure signs of this degree of smallpox are the appearance of pockmarks almost all over the body with itchy vesicles in place of spots that have merged with each other. Raising the temperature to critical limits. Symptoms of intoxication of the human body. This form of the disease often affects pregnant women.

Atypical form chickenpox is so named because it is unusual for this type of disease. It can proceed either completely without any symptoms, or they are very pronounced, and the general condition of the child is apprehensive.

Chickenpox in children: treatment

The very first action to be taken in case of signs of chickenpox in a child is to call a doctor home. After the diagnosis is made, treatment should begin, the basis of which is the methods of treating the lesion on the skin.

What to use, besides brilliant green, to treat pockmarks in children

Treatment of chickenpox rashes with brilliant green or a solution of manganese has been used for a long time, as this allows you to dry them, as well as track the appearance of new foci. But due to the fact that this method does not help to eliminate the virus, brilliant green is difficult to absorb and wash off, such treatment began to be challenged.

And in addition to the usual means for everyone, you can use substances such as:

• A solution of Fukortsin, which should be applied 3 times a day to all foci of the disease, but this drug is also poorly rubbed off and has a pronounced red color. In no case should you overdo it with such a solution, it can cause toxic poisoning, especially if there are a large number of lesions on the body;
• It is better to use a solution of Rivanol, it is yellowish and simply washed off with plain water;
• Most often, with chickenpox in children, Calamine is used, it has no contraindications, it has a disinfecting and cooling effect, dries a chicken rash, and relieves itching;
• Zindol suspension has proven itself well.

Relieve severe itching

One of the factors for a speedy recovery of the child is calm, but with severe itching, this is quite difficult to achieve. If the child has reached one and a half years, you can use light sedatives for this purpose, but only carefully, observing the condition of the baby.

Moms usually use in such cases:

• scamp capsules;
• Knott's drops;
• decoctions of mint or chamomile;
• a small amount of Valerian;
• after two years of life, Valerianahel can be used.

It is good to apply ointments on rashes:

• Calamine;
• Viferon;
• Fenistil-gel.

Ointments and creams

Viferon is in the form of both an ointment and a gel, and both can be used to treat areas on the skin that are affected by a rash. Cream can anoint the bubbles formed in the oral cavity.

• Irikar - homeopathic remedy;
• to relieve swelling and accelerate healing - Infagel;
• Fenistil-gel, which has the ability to relieve itching and irritation;
• La Cree is a cream based on extracts grown in natural conditions.

Medicines

The child may be prescribed antihistamines to relieve itching, but without the permission of the attending physician, they should not be given to the baby in any case. So, Diazolin and Suprastin have a probability side effects. Tsetrin (from two years old), Tavegil and Fenistil in drops are considered the least dangerous.

Viferon - an antiviral agent that is allowed to be used for chicken pox, is also available in the form rectal suppositories, which is convenient when treating young children or if there are a large number of sores in the oral cavity, and children refuse to take other dosage forms.

You can use Acyclovir, it is taken orally.

For rinsing the oral cavity in the presence of sores in it, Miramistin solution has proven itself well. It has a pronounced antiviral and antimicrobial effect, while having almost no taste and smell.

Chickenpox in children: complications

Like many viral diseases, in chickenpox itself, the prognosis is favorable, especially if it proceeds in a mild or moderately severe form. But it can be an impetus for the development of dangerous complications in children suffering from immunodeficiency.

Weakened by the varicella-zoster virus, a child's body may react with a secondary infection that can cause purulent dermatitis or inflammatory processes anywhere, for example, in the throat, lungs, kidneys, heart, joints, and also in any other organ.

Therefore, the constant supervision of the attending physician is necessary in order to notice the beginning complication of the process in time and stop it in time.

It is rare, but severe and has dangerous complications of hemorrhagic chickenpox. Its external difference is that the bubbles are filled not with a transparent liquid, but with blood. Then, in their place, hemorrhages occur, if the process progresses, bleeding from internal organs (nose, stomach, lungs, and others) is not uncommon. This type of chickenpox can even lead to lethal outcome.

Gangrenous form chickenpox. It is also an extremely dangerous complication. With it, the papules increase in size, turn into huge ulcers with signs of necrosis, an infection joins, sepsis may develop.

The most severe condition occurs with the development of chickenpox encephalitis (inflammation of the meninges of the brain). Here, children suffer from unrelieved, unbearable headaches against the backdrop of high temperatures.

Often, after recovery, ugly scars and scars remain on the skin. This is a consequence of the fact that the child constantly combed the elements skin rashes or tore off the crusts from them, as a result of which the wounds became infected, and a deep skin lesion occurred.

Medications can also cause complications with chickenpox. For example, aspirin should not be used with chickenpox, it can cause a serious complication in the liver, and it is also contraindicated to prescribe hormonal preparations.

Chickenpox in children: prevention

Chicken pox is often mild, but it also has severe forms that can lead to either disability or even death, so it is not recommended to avoid preventive measures. For this purpose, children are vaccinated using a vaccine made on the basis of a weakened live virus, or immunoglobulin is used.

Vaccination begins with children who have reached the age of one year. However, such an event will protect the child from contracting chickenpox for 10 years or more. Vaccination does not give a 100% guarantee of protection against infection, but if one of the vaccinated people gets sick, the disease usually proceeds in a much milder form. Women who have planned pregnancy, if they have not had chickenpox before this time, are recommended to be vaccinated with Varilrix, Okavax or Varivax.

These drugs are also suitable for preventing chickenpox for those people who have been in contact with the sick person the day before. It is advisable to administer the vaccine for urgent prevention of the disease no later than 2-3 days.

Parents must know how chickenpox begins in young children in order to recognize in a timely manner and not miss the first signs of the disease, the transition to a complex form. Chickenpox is much easier to carry in childhood than in childhood. adulthood, and leaves behind permanent immunity.

Often the disease goes according to a typical scenario and manifests itself on the 14th day after infection. At the same time, it is observed:

• a sharp increase in body temperature up to 38-40 degrees;
• the appearance of flat pink spots almost simultaneously with the onset of fever;
• an increase in the number of rashes within a few hours;
• transformation of skin manifestations into convex vesicles with liquid contents;
• deterioration of health, swollen lymph nodes, headache, weakness;
• restless behavior, sleep disturbances, food refusal.

The rash covers the child's body (except for the palms and feet) and is accompanied by itching, but it is dangerous to comb it, because it is possible to infect.

Features of the disease:

1. The rashes that appeared first dry up after 3 days, becoming covered with a red crust. With an interval of 1-2 days for skin the baby has new spots, at the same time the body temperature rises.
2. The active phase of chickenpox in children lasts 6-8 days and ends after the last rash appears. Spots on the skin spontaneously open, and in their place red crusts form, which fall off after 1-2 days.

If during the period active phase the baby combed the rash, and a bacterial infection joined, then after recovery, scars or scars will remain on his skin.

The first signs of chickenpox in small child not difficult to recognize. Having done this, you need to provide the baby with bed rest, and limit communication with household members.

How does chickenpox start in children?

The first symptoms of chickenpox in young children are typical for infectious diseases. During the incubation period, which lasts from 1 to 3 weeks, the virus multiplies in the body.

The prodrome (the onset of the disease) is not accompanied by manifestations or has the following symptoms:

• an increase in body temperature (usually insignificant);
• malaise and headache;
• decreased appetite;
• nausea, vomiting, sometimes diarrhea;
• feeling of scratching in the throat;
• sometimes - the appearance of quickly disappearing reddish rashes.

Next, the child begins the active stage of chicken pox, which is accompanied by an increase in temperature to 39-40 degrees. The stronger the fever on the first day, the larger the skin area will be affected by rashes. In some babies, the disease is mild. In this case, the temperature rises slightly, but there is a rash.

Remember! The first signs of chickenpox in children may be completely absent or manifested by a sharp increase in temperature up to 40 degrees. In any case, recognize the disease and prescribe competent treatment only a doctor can!

Features of the rash

Acne with chickenpox appears quickly, rapidly disperses through the skin and mucous membranes, without affecting only the palms and feet. First, they are converted into bubbles with liquid contents, which burst after 8-10 hours. After some time, the affected areas become covered with a crust. At the same time, new rashes appear, provoking an increase in body temperature.

In especially severe cases, pimples with chickenpox in children may appear on the palms and feet. The rash can last from 4 to 8 days, then there is a period of recovery. The crusts fall off in about a week. If the baby did not comb the affected skin, then there is no trace of them. Otherwise, "pockmark" is observed.

Temperature with chickenpox

Chickenpox in children is characterized by a high temperature, but its range is variable. It all depends on the form of the disease:

1. With a mild form, the temperature is low. At the same time, fever, headaches and malaise in the baby are practically absent.
2. The moderately severe form is characterized by a temperature not higher than 39 degrees. Rashes develop over 5-6 days.
3. Severe form in children is rare. It occurs in adults who did not have chickenpox in childhood. At the same time, the temperature rises to 40 degrees.

Symptoms of atypical dangerous forms of chickenpox in a child:

1. Hemorrhagic. Accompanied high temperature, intoxication, sometimes - nasal and gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Visceral. It is characterized by damage to internal organs, the nervous system, high fever and severe intoxication. Premature babies are at risk.
3. Generalized. It usually develops in people who have taken drugs that depress the immune system.
4. Gangrenous, in which the rashes in a child merge into erosion and ulcers, and the skin tissues gradually die off.

The onset of chickenpox in children usually has a typical character. The mild form occurs in individuals with strong immunity or with hereditary resistance to the disease.

Nausea and diarrhea as the first signs of chickenpox in children

At the initial stage, the manifestations of the disease become obvious, but sometimes the child's well-being worsens already in the prodromal period. Then there is a poor appetite, a feeling of scratching in the throat, and malaise. However, reluctance to eat is also observed at the beginning of the pathology. poor appetite is not a specific sign of chickenpox and does not allow you to understand that the child has this disease.

Vomiting and diarrhea indicate intoxication of the body, as a result of the penetration of the virus into it. If they disturb the child 1-2 times, then this indicates that the body is getting rid of toxins. The patient is given plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

These signs represent the normal reaction of the body to the pathogen, provided that they are observed at the initial stage of the disease. Often vomiting, loss of appetite occurs in a child under one year old. In children under 3 years of age, gastrointestinal symptoms sometimes indicate that the disease has acquired aggravated manifestations and passed into a complicated form.

Weakness, sleep problems and moodiness

These signs appear at the initial stage of chickenpox in children. Poor sleep is due to fever or severe itching that causes a rash. Deterioration of well-being is caused by intoxication of the body.

In newborns, the disease does not occur if they are on breastfeeding providing natural protection.

Other first manifestations of chickenpox in a child

Understanding how chickenpox begins in children helps you not to miss the first signs of the disease. In addition, it is important to detect complications in time, which include the following:

1. Gangrenous chicken pox is characterized by the fact that the rash is converted into flabby vesicles with manifestations of necrosis. Ulcers form on the skin, into which the infection penetrates, blood poisoning begins.
2. secondary infection. In this case, foci of purulent dermatitis appear on the skin.
3. Otitis, pneumonia, gingivitis, stomatitis and other diseases caused by weakened immunity.
4. Hemorrhagic chickenpox, in which blood accumulates inside the vesicles, after which bleeding from the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and nose occurs.
5. Chickenpox encephalitis, when there is a strong fever and severe headaches.

These complications develop with the use of certain drugs, including hormonal and glucocorticosteroids.

How to distinguish chickenpox in a child from other skin diseases

Allergy

With chickenpox, the rash spreads rapidly throughout the body. In addition, it is undulating. This means that new spots appear at intervals of several days. Moreover, at the same time, semi-dry vesicles and fresh rashes are on the skin of the child.

Unlike allergies, chickenpox is accompanied by a deterioration in well-being and fever. In this case, the spots appear first on the face and head, and then disperse throughout the body, without affecting the palms and feet.

In addition, allergic manifestations have a clear location, often pass as urticaria, occur after interaction with the allergen and disappear while taking antihistamines.

With scabies, as with other skin diseases, rashes are localized on the hands, which is not observed with chickenpox. Measles and rubella are characterized by a single appearance of spots on the skin.

Chickenpox is well tolerated in childhood and does not leave behind any negative consequences. In babies with normal immunity and infants who have received maternal antibodies, it proceeds easily.

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