The virus is spread in droplets of saliva through the air or by direct contact with the fluid from the blisters of the infected person. Coughing and sneezing is the usual way the disease is transmitted. The disease most commonly affects the five to nine-year-old age group but with increased use of early childhood centres, a greater proportion of infections may now be occurring in pre-school-aged children.
One bout of chickenpox gives lifelong immunity from contracting the disease again. However, the virus remains in the body for life and can be reactivated years later as shingles herpes zoster. Shingles can occur at any age but is most common in adults over 60 years of age.
Initial symptoms of chickenpox include fatigue, a mild fever, lack of appetite, and a feeling of being generally unwell.
Twelve to 48 hours later the rash develops into small red spots. These then turn into yellow fluid-filled blisters , which burst and dry up days after they appear. There may be several crops of spots occurring over days. The spots cause itching, which may be severe. They may occur all over the body, including the mouth and genital area. Some people may have only a few spots whereas others will have hundreds. Symptoms start appearing days after exposure to the virus. Full recovery from chickenpox usually takes days after the symptoms first appear.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Chickenpox varicella. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Jan. Varicella chickenpox. New York, N. Papadakis MA, et al. Viral and rickettsial infections. McGraw Hill; Chickenpox vaccination: What everyone should know. Longo DL, et al. Varicella-zoster virus infections. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Chickenpox varicella.
Merck Manual Professional Version. Stone K, et al. Herpes zoster shingles. Mayo Clinic; Tosh PK expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. Cold sore blisters will usually go away by themselves in a week or two. It is important to avoid popping, scratching, or touching these blisters as this can spread the virus to other areas of skin, causing further outbreaks.
According to the AAD , a person can follow these steps to drain a blister properly:. Using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the needle does not always prevent infection. People who are prone to getting infections may wish to ask a doctor to drain the blister for them in a more sterile environment.
If a person suspects that a blister has become infected, they should speak to a doctor. Prescription antibiotic tablets or a topical ointment or cream can help. Learn how to recognize and treat an infected blister here. People can usually treat mild friction or burn blisters at home by covering the blister with a loose bandage and raising the middle of the dressing slightly to allow the blister to move.
If the blister is in an area where things might rub on or break it, it is best to apply padding around the blister. A person can cut the padding into a circular shape with a hole in the middle, place this around the blister, and then cover it with a bandage. If a blister pops, a person can rub petroleum jelly around the area and cover the skin with a bandage until it heals.
The most important thing is to keep the area clean and dry. The person should change the dressing on burn or friction blisters frequently. If they can avoid popping the blister, that will also speed up the healing by helping prevent infection.
Blister pads, also called artificial blisters, can speed up healing by providing protective cushioning around the blister. These are available at drugstores and online. Non-aspirin medications, such as acetaminophen Tylenol , can help ease the symptoms of chickenpox in children. Antiviral ointments that speed up the healing of cold sores are available in most drugstores.
Anyone who thinks that they may have shingles should speak to a doctor. Antiviral medications can only reduce the length of the illness if the person takes them within 3 days of the rash appearing. It is also important to use a cold sore cream as soon as possible once the blisters appear. Friction, heat, and certain health condition can cause blisters. These fluid filled sacs act as a barrier to germs and protect the wound while new skin forms underneath.
If the barrier breaks for any reason — including a person popping it — bacteria can get in and cause an infection. Pregnant women, newborn infants, and people with weakened immune systems who have not been vaccinated or have not had chickenpox or shingles in the past should see a health care provider immediately if they are exposed to, or get, chickenpox.
Prevention methods must be started as soon as possible to reduce the illness, and the risk for complications. Prevention methods may include antiviral medication, an injection of varicella zoster immune globulin or the varicella vaccine.
In most cases, chickenpox is a mild illness. If you have chickenpox, you should rest but you do not need to stay in bed. The most helpful things you can do are those that make you or your child feel more comfortable.
Some steps you can take are to:. The same virus that causes chickenpox causes shingles. For some people who have had chickenpox, the virus can become active again later in life and cause a painful rash with blisters called shingles. Symptoms of shingles include headache, fever, nausea and chills. People may feel itching, tingling, or extreme pain in the area where a rash develops several days later.
It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the blisters to heal, although some scars may remain. A person with shingles who feels well does not need to stay away from work or other activities, as long as the rash can be completely covered.
Shingles can not be passed from person to person. However, a person who has not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine can get chickenpox from someone with shingles. This is uncommon and requires direct contact with the fluid from the shingles blisters.
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