Children tolerate chickenpox easily. Only green freckles remain in memory of the disease. For adults, the disease becomes a real test, brings physical and psychological suffering.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
Chickenpox, or chickenpox, is an infectious disease that is considered childhood. The definition is conditional, since adults also have chickenpox. In the latter, the disease is diagnosed only in 10% of cases, i.e. is rare. This is explained by the fact that having survived in childhood, a person receives a lasting immunity for life.
The causative agent is the herpes simplex virus. It is transmitted by airborne droplets. It is characterized by high volatility. With air flows it moves long distances from one apartment to another, between floors, through ventilation.
In the environment under the influence of light, temperature, the virus dies within 10-15 minutes. Therefore, it is difficult to get infected on the street, in transport, the infection occurs in enclosed spaces. A person is very susceptible to this virus - after a single contact with a patient, an infection with almost 100% probability occurs.
At an early age, the disease is mild, so many parents consciously leave children in quarantine groups. Adults suffer illness. All symptoms are more acute, the risk of complications is high. The older the person, the less the body’s resistance to the virus. It should be noted features characteristic of the disease of an adult:
- severe intoxication;
- high temperature (up to 40 ° C), which is poorly lost;
- numerous rashes;
- rash often accompanied by purulent inflammations;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- risk of complications (pneumonia, inflammation of the joints, impaired vision, meningitis).
The duration of the disease averages 14-21 days, depending on the patient's age, the state of the immune system, the intensity of treatment. There are the following periods (stages) of the disease:
| Title | Timing |
|---|---|
| Incubation
| 10-25 days |
| Prodromal or transitional
| up to 2 days |
| Stage Rash
| 7-10 days |
| Stage crusts
| up to 5 days |
The incubation period is asymptomatic. At this time, the virus spreads in the body. The person does not feel the disease, but at the end of the period is infectious and is dangerous to others.
During the transition period, there is a deterioration in the general condition. A person complains of headache, fatigue, excessive sweating. Sometimes there is increased sensitivity to light, nausea.
The next step is a rash. Bubbles with liquid contents are localized not only on the body, but also on the scalp, genitals, oral mucosa. Sometimes bubbles merge into one large affected area.
In adults, the rash is often prone to the development of a purulent process. Inflamed sores do not heal for a long time. The appearance of a rash is undulating. Each new rash is accompanied by fever and severe itching.
Over time, the bubbles dry up, a dry crust forms in their place. Man ceases to be dangerous to others. The stage of recovery begins.
Home treatment
If chickenpox occurs in mild or moderate form, then home treatment is prescribed. It should be noted that only two people out of ten are subject to severe form requiring hospitalization. In other cases, treatment takes place at home, subject to bed rest.
The room in which the patient is located should be regularly aired. Fresh air destroys viruses and dries the rash. For a long time, it was believed that during the treatment of chickenpox it is impossible to wash. It's a delusion. The skin should be clean to prevent secondary infection of wounds. You can take a shower without using soap and washcloths.
The patient is prescribed a diet. Fried and salty foods, smoked meats and carbonated drinks are excluded from the diet. Meals should be easily digestible, rich in nutrients and vitamins. It is recommended to use more fermented milk products.
During the period of treatment should increase fluid intake to 2.5-3 liters per day. It can be fruit drinks, herbal teas, berry decoctions. At all times of treatment, it is desirable to eliminate physical exertion and emotional stress. They can aggravate the condition of the patient and prolong recovery.
Preparations for treating chickenpox in adults
There is no special treatment for chickenpox. Antiviral drugs are prescribed (acyclovir, panciclovir). They inhibit the reproduction of the virus. Available in the form of tablets, ointments, solution for intravenous administration. Mandatory are antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil). They relieve redness and itching.
If the elements of the rash damage at the stage of bubbles, scars remain on the skin. You can only remove them in the future by laser polishing. Therefore, you should try not to comb the sores, do not remove the crusts ahead of time. To reduce the temperature prescribed antipyretic (Nurofen, Ibuprofen).
Special attention should be paid to the treatment of the rash. This should be done several times a day. To do this, use antiseptic preparations:
- Furacilin;
- calamine lotion;
- Fenistil gel;
- Zelenka.
They dry the sores, reduce inflammation, prevent additional infection. It should be noted lotion Calamine. It does not contain alcohol, forms a protective film on the skin. It is considered more effective than the usual "Zelenka".
Folk remedies
Many doctors now recommend folk remedies as an additional therapy. They effectively alleviate symptoms, improve well-being. The skin of a chickenpox is already damaged, so as not to aggravate its condition, all popular methods should be discussed in advance with your doctor.
To do this, 50-60 g of grass pour 1 liter of hot water and infuse for an hour. The resulting infusion is added to the bath. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes.
For the overall strengthening of the body, increasing its resistance should be included in the daily diet:
- rosehip infusion;
- decoction of fresh or dry parsley;
- a solution of mummy (0.1 g per glass of water);
- blueberry, cranberry, sea buckthorn.
Preventive measures
As a preventive measure, it is recommended to undergo vaccination, after which stable immunity to the virus is formed. The vaccine is administered twice with an interval of 6-10 weeks. As an emergency prophylaxis, it can be done once within 72 hours after contact with the patient.
Even in this case, protection against infection is guaranteed. Complications after vaccination are not registered. Therefore, it is recommended for people of advanced age and with chronic diseases. Its only drawback is the high cost.
