Chicken pox is a virus infection that is highly contagious. Mostly children are predisposed to the infection but adults are not totally spared because there are cases wherein adults are infected as well. Chicken pox is more dangerous if it occurs to newborn babies and children with underlying immunodeficiency. So children who are being treated for cancer and those who are on steroids should take extra precautions. Chicken pox is also transmissible even to a developing fetus therefore pregnant women should avoid being exposed to people who have chicken pox.
The virus is airborne therefore the infected person may spread the disease through coughing or sneezing and that is even before the source develops rashes. Even if you think that you are safe from the virus, you still need to know how to cure chicken pox just for precautionary measures.
Chicken pox initially manifests as flat red splotches. Then it will develop into blisters that look like water droplets. The blisters may appear on different parts of the body and becomes very itchy as they progress. You should seek medical attention in cases such as rashes in the eye, very high fever, vomiting and signs of bacterial infections characterized by green or yellow discharge from the blisters. Because the disease is pathological, the least you could do is to minimize the itching and reduce the fever. A warm bath with baking soda could help relieve the itching. Sometimes, cool baths work better for other patients.
There are anti-itching medications like diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine that are available especially for patients who can no longer stand the discomfort. Just make sure to avoid overdose and if you are using creams or lotion, see to it that they are steroid-free.
For fever, be very cautious in administering any medicine to the patient. Always consult with your doctor. Take note that aspirin is not recommended at all because of the risk of contracting the Reye’s syndrome which is a deadly disease. In addition, any medicine with ibuprofen should be avoided as well because it is also associated with severe diseases. If you really can’t help giving the patient medicine for the fever, choose acetaminophen instead.
Since children are the ones affected the most with chicken pox, it’s hard to prevent them from scratching so make sure that their fingernails are cut short and always keep their hands clean to prevent complications caused by bacterial infection. If fever occurs again, better see a doctor because the infection may be life-threatening. If you scratch the blisters real hard, it may result to permanent scars. No one wants to be reminded of chicken pox for the rest of their lives right?
There’s a better way than finding ways on how to cure chicken pox and that is prevention. Chicken pox can be prevented through vaccination. Your doctor is the most qualified person to ask about the appropriate vaccine for chicken pox.
