Chicken Pox

Chicken pox by many is considered to be a rite of passage and children are known to catch the disease and get over it rather quickly. Described as early as the mid 1500s, chickenpox at first had been regarded as a less severe form of smallpox, but as time went on, it became apparent that chicken pox symptoms, presentation, and outcome differed. Some say that the term “chicken pox” may be traced back to lost old English verbs referring to the act of itching, while others claim that this kind of pox was reminiscent of the marks left behind when pecked by chickens – much like stork bite refers to a birthmark that looks like the peck of a larger bird. At this point in time, there is no guaranteed accurate source that explains the usage of the terminology.

What is entirely clear, however, is the fact the chickenpox virus, medically described as the Varicella-Zoster virus, is to blame for this contagious infection. Symptoms of chicken pox most often associated with the disease are the angry red sores that itch to such an extent that scratching them seems to be the only remedy. Unfortunately, repeated disturbance of the chicken pox scabs, such as scratching, will result in future scarring, thus marking some children for life.

Adult chicken pox are possible if the virus was not caught in childhood, but a different form emerges that also changes what chicken pox do look like when contracted by adults; in some individuals, the disease will recur as shingles which is an extremely uncomfortable itch.

Since the chicken pox virus may be present two days prior to the appearance of the first chickenpox symptoms, it is not uncommon in the history of chickenpox for entire school grades to fall ill over the course of a few days. Chicken pox pictures often showcase children with angry, red sores on their skin, usually all over the body. Since a chicken pox vaccine is available, the disease is much more controlled although not eradicated. Failure to obtain the chickenpox vaccine while pregnant may result in chicken pox affecting the unborn child to such a degree that varying birth defects have been noted. Pictures of chicken pox affected babies are heartbreaking and women need to be aware that coming in contact with someone suspected of suffering from chicken pox can have dire consequences.

Treatment for chicken pox is usually concerned with easing the itching sensation and keeping the skin clean to avoid infections. If an adult is affected, the use of antiviral medication is indicated, whereas in children the use of this drug is not needed.