Duration of chickenpox in children and adults. How long does chickenpox last in children: incubation period, symptoms, treatment How long does chickenpox last in adults

A disease such as chickenpox is characterized by an acute course, and infection occurs through airborne droplets. In this case, the skin becomes covered with a very itchy rash, and during its treatment, all rashes are treated with an alcohol solution of brilliant green.

This pathology refers to childhood infectious diseases, but this does not mean that an adult is not. When considering the clinical course, it is better to undergo it in childhood, because in older people the body tolerates chickenpox more severely.

How much?

The incubation period is on average the same and for children is 10-23 days. After which a prodromal period begins, lasting up to 2 days. Period of appearance of the rash lasts from 3 to 10 days. After its completion, a recovery period begins, lasting 5 days. How many days do you need to be at home: 2-4 weeks.

How many days last for children is easier to predict than for older ones. Because various factors can increase the duration of the incubation period, and the course is unpredictable and depends on the state of the immune system.

Routes of infection

Airborne transmission of chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. Infection occurs through airborne droplets, or through constant contact with things or the patient themselves. The risk group includes children of preschool and school age.

Due to the high contagiousness after a case of chickenpox, preschool and school institutions may be closed for quarantine, which lasts 2 weeks, that’s exactly how long.

The incubation period is the time that reflects the period from the moment the virus enters the body until the appearance of clinical manifestations. How long chickenpox lasts depends on your age and overall health.

They can suffer from this disease if they did not have this infection in childhood, because in the future a stable immunity to it is formed. But sometimes, it is possible, but only in the case of severe immunodeficiency in a person. And the presence of concomitant diseases causes frequent development of severe cases with various complications.

Symptoms in children

The first clinical manifestations begin to appear several days before the appearance of rashes on the skin of the body, and they are in many ways reminiscent of a common cold:

• body temperature rises;
• aches throughout the body;
• sore throat;
• cough;
• general weakness.

After which, after 2 days, rashes begin to appear on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes, while the emerging bubbles are filled with transparent contents. The appearance of a rash provokes the development of severe itching, which can intensify at night. The rash can be single or multiple on any part of the body.

In severe cases, the rash is located everywhere, including on the scalp. The period of appearance of new rashes lasts from 3 to 5 days, after which the blisters burst. The resulting ulcerative defects are covered with dry crusts, which should not be removed due to the risk of scars remaining after healing.

Signs in adults

The main symptoms do not differ from the clinical manifestations in childhood, but the presence of concomitant diseases and dysfunction of the immune system causes the appearance of intoxication in the patient’s body:

• increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees, which is difficult to reduce with medication for 5 days;
• chills;
• there is an increase in the size of the lymph nodes - cervical, submandibular, axillary and inguinal;
• severe malaise and general weakness.

Against this background, a rash begins to appear, which can cover the entire surface of the body, including the genitals. The bubbles burst 2-6 days after their appearance, after which dry crusts appear at their location.

It is difficult to say exactly how long it lasts, because such patients often have a complicated course. It is characterized by the appearance of swelling of the brain tissue, a severe cough, and a feeling of nausea, which is replaced by vomiting. There is a lack of coordination, muscle cramps, and photophobia.

Complicated course in children

This is noted when there is insufficient functional activity of the immune system at the time of infection or the initial treatment was carried out incorrectly, so sometimes it can be said that how long does it take for a child illness becomes difficult. The following complications are noted:

• acute laryngitis;
• chickenpox croup;
• pneumonia of viral origin;
• rheumatism;
• when the virus enters the central nervous system - convulsive syndrome, coordination is impaired, encephalitis, meningitis;
• when the virus enters internal organs, damage to the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs is possible, which is manifested by corresponding symptoms.

Complicated course in adults

may last longer than in babies

Preceded by severe immunodeficiency, the body is unable to fight a viral infection, which leads to the development of complications such as:

• the functioning of internal organs is disrupted;
• pathological changes in the functioning of the central nervous system - swelling of brain tissue;
• possibly damage to the organs of the endocrine system by the virus;
• from the lungs - inflammation in the upper and lower parts of the bronchopulmonary system;
• in case of liver damage - toxic hepatitis or liver abscess;
• with kidney damage - nephritis;
• with damage to the cardiovascular system - myocarditis and thrombophlebitis;
• with damage to the musculoskeletal system - arthritis, synovitis and myositis.

The course of viral pneumonia with chickenpox is long, accompanied by cough and general malaise. In some cases, there is a sharp and persistent increase in temperature, a severe cough with scanty sputum, which may contain blood.

This complication requires urgent hospitalization and antiviral therapy, with the drugs administered intravenously. Sometimes such pneumonia can occur without pronounced symptoms, but the addition of a bacterial infection leads to the appearance of symptoms: fever, and a dry cough quickly becomes wet, with purulent sputum expelled.

Treatment

For chickenpox, treatment begins with the prescription of antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs. When a rash appears, patients are prescribed antihistamines to reduce itching.

Effective use of antiviral drugs for oral administration - Zovirax, . Or their use for topical treatment of an existing rash.

An alcohol solution of brilliant green is used to dry out the rash, which reduces itching and prevents secondary bacterial infection from existing ulcerative defects that form after the blisters burst.

In this case, it is necessary to treat each bubble with brilliant green until they stop appearing. Instead of brilliant green, you can use fucarcin. If it appears, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Prevention

Carrying out preventive measures allows you to increase the body's resistance to infection and carry out timely vaccinations in childhood. Well, if infection does occur, then the disease will be tolerated by the sick child much easier. This is why it is necessary to get vaccinated in a timely manner. And without the risk of developing severe somatic complications.

It is worth noting that at any age, strong immunity will prevent the development of the disease or it will proceed without pronounced clinical manifestations. And if you identify contact with a patient, you should monitor your condition.

When identifying and having contact with a patient, it is better to come to an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, he will prescribe the appropriate treatment. Early initiation of effective treatment, especially for adults, will avoid the development of symptoms of severe intoxication of the body and complications.

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The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Chicken pox ( chickenpox) is an infectious disease caused by a type of herpes virus. Chickenpox is considered to be childhood illness, because most people experience it during preschool and school age. However, if the infection did not occur in childhood, then you can get chickenpox at any age.

Outbreaks of chickenpox among adults often occur in closed groups, in the army among recruits, and in boarding schools for people with disabilities. Also at risk are parents of preschool children who do not have immunity. The incidence does not depend on gender or race.

Chickenpox in adults has its own characteristics:

• adults suffer more severely from the disease;
• intoxication is more pronounced than in children;
• temperature rises to 40 degrees and above;
• the rash appears only on the 2-3rd day of illness;
• the rashes are numerous and can cover the entire surface of the face and torso;
• in half of the adult patients, the elements of the rash suppurate and pustules form;
• at the site of deep inflammation, scars remain - pockmarks;
• Complications occur in 20-30% of patients.

Chickenpox is especially difficult for patients with weakened immune systems and people over 50 years of age.

Causes of chickenpox in adults

The causative agent of chickenpox– human herpes virus type 3, or Varicella Zoster. A viral particle is a DNA molecule surrounded by a protective shell of lipids.

The virus can only exist in the human body. In the environment it dies within 15 minutes. This is facilitated by drying, heating, freezing. The causative agent of chickenpox is not transmitted through things or third parties. Animals do not get chickenpox and cannot serve as carriers of the infection.

The main characteristics of the chickenpox virus that allow it to infect a large number of people are volatility and susceptibility. Viral particles fly away with air currents and penetrate into neighboring rooms, apartments and from one floor to another. And the high susceptibility of people to the chickenpox virus means that upon contact with a sick person, almost all people who have not previously been ill become infected. In a family where one person gets sick, the risk of illness for the rest of the household is 80-90%. Moreover, for those who became infected later, the disease is more severe and with more rashes.

Source of infection and the main reservoir of infection is a person with chickenpox. There is a risk of infection from a person with shingles.

Routes of infection– airborne and transplacental, when the virus is transmitted from mother to fetus through the placenta.

Incubation period– 10-21 days, more often 14-17. During this time, the virus multiplies on the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and spreads through the lymphatic system.

Immunity to chickenpox produced after an infection. Post-infectious immunity is believed to provide lifelong protection against infection. However, some people experience repeated cases of chickenpox, which is associated with weakened immune defenses.

What is happening in the patient's body?

1. The virus multiplies on the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
2. Its number is rapidly increasing. Through the palatine tonsils, the virus enters the lymphatic system, inhibiting its functioning and reducing the activity of T-lymphocytes.
3. The virus enters the bloodstream at the end of the incubation period. Viral particles and their metabolic products present in the blood cause fever, weakness and other signs of intoxication.
4. The virus penetrates the nerve ganglia - the nuclei of the spinal nerves, causing lysis (destruction) of nerve cells. The virus then persists for life in the nerve ganglia. When the immune system is weakened, it becomes more active and spreads along the nerve, provoking the development of herpes zoster.
5. The virus settles in the cells of the epidermis. It causes the appearance of vacuoles - intracellular elements resembling vesicles. Vacuoles of neighboring cells merge with each other, forming cavities that are the basis of papules. These papules are filled with liquid, which contains a large number of viral particles and protein molecules. The contents of the papule are a good breeding ground for bacteria, so the elements of the rash can fester. In this case, a pustule (a blister with purulent contents) forms in place of the papule.
6. The bubble bursts and its contents spill onto the skin. At the site of the bubble, a crust forms, under which the epidermis heals.
7. Starting from the first days of the disease, the immune system recognizes the pathogen and begins to produce immunoglobulins, which bind toxins and stimulate phagocytosis (uptake) of viral particles. Subsequently, anti-chickenpox antibodies remain in the blood of the person who has been ill for life. They provide protection against recurrent chickenpox.

Chickenpox symptoms in adults

Symptoms of chickenpox in adults are a deterioration in general condition, fever and a maculopapular rash accompanied by itching. Signs of the disease in adults appear much more clearly, and the disease is more severe than in children.

There are several periods in the development of the disease:

• Incubation period– the virus multiplies in the cells of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. There are no symptoms of the disease.
• Prodromal period– release of the virus into the blood. Symptoms: fever, deterioration in general condition, weakness, loss of appetite.
• Period of rash– active phase of the disease, when the virus is localized in the epidermis. It is characterized by the appearance of a rash and itching, which is accompanied by an increase in temperature.
• Crust formation period– the elements of the rash dry out. The body actively produces anti-chickenpox antibodies, which ensure binding of the virus and recovery.

Chickenpox symptoms in adults:

Symptom	Development mechanism	Manifestations
General intoxication	Toxins produced during the life of the virus poison the nervous system.	Weakness, drowsiness, loss of strength. Headache, aches in the lumbar region and large joints. Nausea, repeated vomiting. The first signs of chickenpox resemble the flu. In adults, intoxication is severe.
Temperature increase	During the death of viral particles, pyrogens are formed - substances that provoke an increase in temperature. A large number of pyrogens enter the blood during mass rashes.	Wave fever - during the period of illness there are 2-3 rises in temperature, which coincide with massive outbreaks. The temperature rises to 38-40 degrees. The temperature with chickenpox in adults lasts 3-9 days, depending on the severity of the disease. Prolonged fever for more than 10 days indicates the development of complications.
Rash	Chickenpox is characterized by a maculopapular rash. Its appearance is associated with viral damage to epidermal cells. The elements of the rash go through several stages in their development: spots, papules (nodules) and vesicles (bubbles). All of them can be present on one area of ​​the skin.	In adult patients, chickenpox rash appears 2-3 days after the temperature rises. Stains. Round red spots, ranging in size from 3 mm to 1 cm, appear on the skin of the upper half of the body. Papules(infiltrates) - nodules without a cavity located in the center of the spots. Formed within 2-3 hours. Vesicles– bubbles filled with transparent contents. They have a hemispherical shape and are located on a hyperemic (red) base. They form at the site of red spots for 12-20 hours. Crusts are formed at the site of burst vesicles. On average, 5-7 days pass from the moment the spot appears until the crust forms. Eruptions occur chaotically on any part of the body with an interval of 1-2 days. Their number varies from a few in mild forms to 2000 in severe forms of the disease. New rashes continue for 4-5 days.
Itchy skin	Changes in epithelial cells cause irritation of sensitive nerve endings that are located in the skin. From them, a nerve impulse enters the central nervous system and is perceived by the brain as an itch.	Itching appears simultaneously with spots on the skin. It bothers patients until crusts form. Itching worsens at night when there are fewer distractions.
Rashes on the oral mucosa	The same processes occur in the cells of the mucous membranes as in the skin.	The rash appears simultaneously with the skin rash. Red spots of 3-5 mm are formed on the mucous membrane of the gums, palatine arches and soft palate. Over time, nodules and then bubbles form from the spot. After a few hours, ulcers (aphthae) appear in their place, covered with a white-yellow coating. The ulcers cause severe pain. Similar rashes appear on the vaginal mucosa in women. They cause severe itching and discomfort.

Classification of chickenpox in adults. Forms and stages

There are several classifications of chickenpox

1. According to the severity of the current

• Mild form in 7-10% of patients. The temperature rises to 38 degrees. General condition is satisfactory. The number of rashes is moderate.
• Moderate form in 80%. Temperature 38-39 degrees. Severe intoxication – weakness, nausea, vomiting, aches in muscles and joints. The rash is profuse and accompanied by severe itching.
• Severe form in 10%. Temperature 39-40 degrees. The general condition is serious, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, headache. The rash can cover the entire surface of the skin. Various complications develop. In severe form, there are several variants of the course:
  • Hemorrhagic form. It is rare in patients with weakened immune systems who have previously had hemorrhagic diseases - damage to blood vessels: hemorrhagic diathesis, vasculitis, thrombocytopathy, bleeding disorders. Accompanied by the development of hemorrhagic rash (minor hemorrhages), hematomas, bruises, bleeding gums, intestinal bleeding.
  • Bullous form. Simultaneously with typical vesicles, large flabby blisters called bullae appear on the skin. They are filled with cloudy contents and have a folded surface. At the site of their resolution, long-term non-healing wounds remain.
  • Gangrenous form. It occurs extremely rarely in severely malnourished patients, with poor hygiene and poor care. Develops when papules become infected and a secondary infection occurs. A black border consisting of necrotic dead tissue forms around the papules. The disease is accompanied by high fever and intoxication.

2. According to the type of disease

• The typical form is manifested by intoxication, fever, and a characteristic rash.
• The atypical form has several course options.
  • The rudimentary form is a rise in temperature to 37.5, single elements of the rash, which may look like spots or nodules. The disease often goes unnoticed.
  • Atypical forms include gangrenous, bullous and hemorrhagic forms described above.
• The generalized (visceral) form is associated with massive damage to internal organs. It occurs in people with weakened immune systems when the virus multiplies in the cells of internal organs. It manifests itself as pain in the abdomen and lower back, severe damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system, decreased blood pressure and pulse rate.

Diagnostics

Examination by a doctor. As a rule, diagnosing chickenpox does not cause difficulties for a specialist. A doctor may suspect chickenpox in an adult based on the following signs:

• A characteristic rash that appears against the background of elevated temperature and deterioration of general condition;
• Periodic falling asleep, which is accompanied by a rise in temperature;
• False polymorphism of the rash. In a limited area of ​​skin, various elements of the rash are simultaneously present - spots, nodules and blisters;
• Localization of the rash on any part of the body except the palms and soles;
• Rashes on the mucous membranes of the mouth, genitals and conjunctiva;
• There was contact with a patient with chickenpox.

After examining the skin and mucous membranes, the doctor listens to the condition of the bronchi and lungs, palpates the abdomen, and determines the size of the liver. The examination allows for early detection of complications. In most cases, other tests are not necessary.

• Bacterial superinfection of the skin caused by streptococci and staphylococci is the most common complication. Numerous boils, abscesses and phlegmons form in place of the vesicles. Patients require surgical treatment.
• Chickenpox pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by viral infection of the lung tissue and the formation of bacterial infiltrates. Develops in 20-30% of cases. Characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain.
• Damage to internal organs. The virus multiplies in the cells of internal organs: spleen, pancreas, liver, lungs, heart. It is typical to damage several organs at once. On the 3-5th day of illness, the patient’s condition worsens significantly, severe abdominal pain occurs. Mortality up to 15%.
• Lesions of the central nervous system. Appears 21 days after the onset of the disease. It is characterized by damage to the cerebellum, which is manifested by imbalance, which is especially noticeable when changing body position, trembling of the limbs, nystagmus (uncontrolled movements of the eyeballs). Encephalitis of a diffuse nature is also characteristic, the neurological consequences of which persist for a long time. Manifestations: headache, confusion and mental disorders, nausea, vomiting, epileptic seizures.
• Hepatitis. Liver damage is a rare complication of chickenpox. It predominantly develops in patients with immunodeficiency. Has a high mortality rate.

Prevention of chickenpox in adults

Prevention of chickenpox in adults has several directions:

• Specific prevention. Vaccination against chickenpox is carried out for categories of the population that are prone to severe chickenpox. In a number of regions of the Russian Federation it is included in the vaccination calendar. More details about the groups to be vaccinated and the drugs are described below.
• Nonspecific prevention of chickenpox is based on timely isolation of the patient, who is a source of infection for others. He is isolated at home for 9 days from the moment the disease is detected. The person is then considered not infectious. There is no need to disinfect the patient’s apartment. Daily wet cleaning and ventilation is enough.
• Emergency prevention of chickenpox is the administration of chickenpox immunoglobulin or live vaccine within 96 hours after contact with the patient (preferably in the first 72 hours).

Chickenpox in adults: symptoms, forms of the disease, complications, treatment, vaccinations - video

Answers to frequently asked questions

Should adults get the chickenpox vaccine?

There are categories of adults who have not had chickenpox who are recommended to be vaccinated against chickenpox:

• People who are preparing for organ transplantation.
• Those prone to severe chickenpox – hemorrhagic diseases, decreased immunity, age over 50 years.
• Patients at high risk of the disease. These include:
  • patients with leukemia;
  • receiving immunosuppressive therapy (including glucocorticosteroids);
  • patients with malignant tumors;
  • people with severe chronic pathologies - bronchial asthma, collagenosis, autoimmune diseases, chronic renal failure.
• People who are in close contact with patients at high risk of the disease - relatives, family members.
• Medical personnel, especially those working in infectious diseases departments.
• Workers of preschool educational institutions.
• Military personnel.

Vaccination with live vaccines is contraindicated:

• pregnant women;
• cancer patients;
• people suffering from AIDS and primary immunodeficiency conditions;
• receiving immunosuppressive therapy;
• with hypersensitivity to vaccine components and neomycin.

For chickenpox vaccinations for adults, specific immunoglobulin and live vaccine are used.

Active immunization against chickenpox– introduction of a vaccine based on a live attenuated Varicella Zoster virus. The pathogen, processed in a special way, causes a mild asymptomatic form of chickenpox. After this, specific immunoglobulins are produced, which remain in the blood, providing long-term immunity.

• Okavax is a Japanese-made chickenpox vaccine. Injected once subcutaneously into the deltoid muscle. The drug is approved for children from 12 months of age and adults. Suitable for emergency prophylaxis in the first 72 hours after contact with a patient.
• Varilrix is ​​a Belgian-made vaccine. The drug is injected subcutaneously into the deltoid muscle. For adults, the vaccine is administered 2 times: the first dose on the appointed day, and the second after 4-6 weeks. Allowed for adults and children from 9 months of age. Suitable for emergency prophylaxis during the first 96 hours after exposure.

Passive immunization against chickenpox– introduction of donor antibodies against the chickenpox pathogen. They are obtained from the blood plasma of a convalescent person (who has had chickenpox). Antibodies (IgG) neutralize the virus that is already present in the body. The drug does not contain the virus itself and does not provide long-term immunity, unlike live vaccines.

• Zostevir is a drug containing immunoglobulin against the varicella zoster virus. Immunoglobulin against the Varicella Zoster virus can be used for treatment and emergency prevention after contact with a patient. Approved for use from the first day of life, as well as for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

A blood test to detect antibodies to the Varicella-Zoster virus helps determine the presence of immunity to chickenpox. You will have to wait 6 days for the results. A positive test result means that the person already has immunity against chickenpox and does not need to be vaccinated.

What are the first signs of chickenpox in adults?

The first signs of chickenpox in adults resemble flu symptoms:

• weakness;
• headache;
• loss of appetite;
• temperature increase;
• Nausea and vomiting are possible.

The rash appears on the 2-3rd day of fever. During the first hours it is represented by red spots. Over the course of several hours, small elevations form in the center - nodules, which then turn into bubbles.

Is it possible for chickenpox to reoccur in adults?

Recurrence of chickenpox in adults is possible, especially in people with weakened immune systems. As a rule, recurrent disease occurs in a milder form.

Repeated chickenpox occurs in some categories:

• In people with weakened immune systems. This condition can occur with long-term use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants;
• Those who have completed chemotherapy courses;
• Those who have suffered severe emotional shocks;
• In people with diseases of the digestive system and severe nutritional disorders.

Sometimes recurrent chickenpox in adults is called herpes zoster. This disease is caused by a virus that remains in the spinal ganglia after the first chickenpox infection.

What does chickenpox look like in adults, photo?

The first days of chickenpox in adults are no different from the flu. On the 3rd day, patients develop a characteristic rash. It has a number of signs that distinguish it from other diseases:

Is it possible to have chickenpox without fever?

In rare cases, chickenpox without fever is possible. This is the so-called erased or abortive form.

Symptoms of the erased form:

• Mild malaise - weakness, loss of appetite;
• Single elements of the rash are several red spots and nodules that usually do not turn into blisters.

Causes of chickenpox without fever:

• Weakened immunity. Viruses and their breakdown products do not cause an adequate immune response.
• Chickenpox suffered at an early age (up to one year). In this case, chickenpox in an adult is considered repeated. There is a small amount of antibodies in his blood that prevent the virus from actively multiplying and causing fever.
• Taking medications that reduce fever. At the first symptoms of deterioration, many self-medicate and take medications containing paracetamol. Thus, they bring down the temperature, and the picture of the disease is distorted.

How long does chickenpox last in adults?

The duration of uncomplicated chickenpox in adults is 9 days from the moment the first signs appear. After this, the doctor can close the sick leave.

In practice, in 90% of patients the disease lasts 10-14 days:

• prodromal period (without rash) – 2-3 days;
• the period of appearance of new rashes is 3-4 days;
• the period of formation of crusts is 5 days (from the moment the last rash appears).

Only after the last vesicle has crusted over is the patient considered non-infectious. The skin will be completely clear of crusts in 2-4 weeks.

Do scars remain on the skin?

With an uncomplicated course of the disease, chickenpox scars do not remain. The chickenpox virus infects only the upper layers of the epidermis, and the germinal layer, responsible for skin repair, remains intact.

Scars appear when bacteria enter the vesicle and purulent inflammation develops. In this case, the deep layers of the skin melt. After the crust falls off, a depression with uneven edges is discovered underneath - a pockmark. In the future, the “pit” remains, but is aligned in color with the surrounding skin.

How to prevent scars from chickenpox?

• Compliance with hygiene rules - regular change of linen, shower;
• Treating the rash with antiseptics - brilliant green, fucorcin;
• Prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics when the first pustules appear.

What to do if scars appear after chickenpox?

• Ointments and gels for the treatment of scars. A small amount of gel is rubbed into the scar 2-3 times a day. For old scars, apply the gel under the bandage at night. The course of treatment can take from 1 month to a year. For treatment the following are used:
  • Contractubex;
  • Aldara;
  • Kelofibrase;
  • Skarguard.
• Injection of collagen under the skin. The substance fills the skin defect and stimulates the formation of connective fibers.
• Chemical peeling using phenol. Under the influence of aggressive chemicals, the keratinized layer of the epidermis and dermis is removed. After the epidermis is restored (takes up to 2 weeks), the skin becomes smooth.
• Laser skin resurfacing. A focused laser beam penetrates the superficial layers of the dermis and heats them, evaporating the water. After the regeneration of skin cells, its surface is leveled. Caution: Carbon dioxide laser treatment may cause the appearance of a hypertrophic keloid scar that rises above the skin. Therefore, an erbium or carbon dioxide laser is used.

During contact with others with chickenpox, you can infect them with this unpleasant disease. Many people are interested in questions about how long chickenpox is contagious, how many days you need to stay at home, since no one wants to go outside for a long time.

How do you get chickenpox?

No matter what group a person joins, he runs the risk of chickenpox. Lack of ventilation, low humidity, limited space are excellent conditions for the spread of the virus.

It takes very little time for it to enter a new body, since it is transmitted through the air, through which it can become infected. Hence its name.

If you inhale air containing a pathogen, it does not matter how long the person was in the room. He'll still get sick. If the first symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor.

Stages of the disease

It is impossible to name the exact number of days that chickenpox will bother children.

The length of the period depends on a number of factors:

Chickenpox develops in the body in the following stages:

1. Incubation. It lasts from the moment of infection until the first symptoms appear. On average, this period is 14 days. Sometimes longer periods of illness in an asymptomatic state in the body are possible - 21 days. At this time, it is impossible to find out that a person is sick.
2. Prodromal. This is the shortest period lasting 1-2 days, during which the patient already feels some kind of malaise, but does not yet get enough sleep. Chickenpox cannot be diagnosed at this stage either.
3. Rashes. The most unpleasant and painful stage. Chickenpox is most active here. Then the child is contagious to those around him who have not yet been ill. The rash appears in waves over 2-9 days. In a mild form, papules may appear only once.
4. recovery. Since the last pimples appeared on the body, the child has begun to recover. After 5 days from this moment, chickenpox is no longer contagious to others. The rash will take a long time to heal - up to 14 days. After this period, the crusts will fall off and the skin will heal.

Related article:

Treatment of chickenpox in children at home

The total duration of chickenpox depends on the degree of its severity, usually windy days are 7-21 days. Such a big difference is formed due to differences in the timing of each stage.

A mild form of the disease looks like this: the child goes through a short prodromal period, and on the same day he becomes covered with papules. After a couple of days they dry out and new pimples do not form. This type of chickenpox lasts only 7-8 days. Severe illness may require quarantine for up to several weeks.

After chickenpox, children become immune to the virus for life. Re-infection occurs rarely, usually with severe weakening of the body. Even after a mild form of the disease, protection against infection remains.

Sick leave for a child with chickenpox

Based on the symptoms, a doctor can determine when chickenpox stops being contagious. For parents, sick leave is issued for 5-10 days. Its validity is secured by labor legislation. If the child has a strong immune system, the disease will pass quickly. Usually, the doctor allows you to go to school or kindergarten 5 days after the last rash appears.

A child with a weakened body sometimes cannot recover in 10 days. How long adults spend on sick leave from the onset of chickenpox symptoms is decided individually. Usually the parents are discharged, and the child is quarantined for chickenpox, surrounded by other relatives.

It’s not for nothing that popular wisdom says: everything has its time. There is a time to hurt your knees and ride a bicycle, there is a time to fall in love and build a career, there is a time to raise grandchildren and teach wisdom to youth. Everything is good when it happens on time, otherwise expect trouble. The same can be said about childhood diseases that we did not experience at a young age - measles, mumps (mumps) and varicella (chickenpox). This article examines the features of the flow chickenpox in adults.

Sooner or later, a teenager, a young person, or even a fully mature person, who has never acquired immunity against this childhood disease, comes into contact with a carrier of the causative agent of the disease in the infectious phase. This could be a neighbor's child, a toddler riding next to you on a minibus, a little niece, a younger brother, or even your own grandson. Childhood illnesses are a passed stage for an adult, so few newly infected people can associate general weakness and lethargy with the first symptoms of chickenpox. And only the presence of an ever-increasing rash, severe itching in the areas of the rash and fever will force a person to see a doctor.

Chickenpox incubation period in adults

The incubation period of chickenpox in adults, which begins from the moment the dangerous virus enters the body, lasts for three weeks.

Signs of chickenpox in adults

So, you are significantly over 7 years old and have just been diagnosed with chickenpox. Take heart, because childhood diseases, once they enter an adult’s body, which is not protected by the immune system, behave very aggressively. This is fraught with more severe rashes, high fever, painful swallowing and a general loss of strength. Don't forget, chickenpox is not dangerous, but it is a highly contagious disease. Do not leave the house for the entire quarantine period (about two weeks), exclude contacts with anyone who has not had chickenpox before, regardless of their age, otherwise you may become the source of an entire epidemic.

With chickenpox, a typical rash in the form of blisters should be located on the scalp, behind the ears - the first elements of the rash are located there. However, be prepared for the fact that rashes will appear everywhere - on the body, face, arms and legs, scalp, mucous membranes, tongue, palate and even in the perineum.

Skin rashes, in the form of reddish-brown blisters, are not always limited to the skin. They often affect the esophagus, kidneys, and ureters. Appear in the pancreas, on the bladder.

Subsequently, the rash turns into blisters 2-3 mm in diameter, which will itch painfully. Do not comb them under any circumstances, no matter how difficult it may be! Your aesthetic appearance in the future depends on your endurance now.

Blisters that remain intact and go away naturally do not leave behind any marks. Blisters, when scratched or damaged, leave behind a deep hole (a match head and part of the match itself easily fit into some of these holes), which remains on the skin for life, only slightly smoothing out over time.

Prevention of chickenpox in adults

There is no specific prevention. The only method of preventing chickenpox is isolation. Medicines are not used for prevention. The virus is very unstable in the external environment and quickly dies from exposure to ultraviolet rays when heated. It easily dissipates and spreads with air flow into adjacent rooms and upper floors. Infection occurs by air and airborne droplets, the contents of bubbles, and mucus from the patient’s nasopharynx (in the presence of chickenpox elements on the mucous membranes). From the moment the blisters dry out and crusts form, the patient is not contagious.

Treatment of chickenpox in adults

There is a high probability that your doctor will strongly recommend that you lubricate all (!) blisters with a solution of brilliant green (popularly “zelenka”) or fucorcin (“red brilliant green”). This does not make any sense and can only be used to control the appearance of new blisters. A sort of marker of infectiousness.

To relieve or at least alleviate itching, take one diazolin tablet after meals in the morning and evening. Because this drug also has a sleep-inducing effect on most people, you should be able to sleep through most of the worst first week of chickenpox with less pain and minimal blistering.

Also sometimes prescribed acyclovir for chickenpox.

Is it possible to wash yourself if you have chickenpox? When can you swim after chickenpox?

The chickenpox rash should not be soaked. Under no circumstances take a bath or shower before 3 days have passed since the last blisters appeared - this is fraught with serious complications! Only intimate hygiene is the most permissible. The fact is that bacterial infection of the vesicles (usually streptococcal or staphylococcal) can occur, which results in purulent skin lesions.

How many times do you get chickenpox? Is it possible to get chickenpox again?

It is possible, but extremely, extremely rarely. There are cases of re-infection. But these are isolated cases! Only people with a compromised immune system can become infected with chickenpox again.

After you have had chickenpox, you most likely will not get sick again, but after you recover, the virus remains in the body for a long time. Reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in adults is called herpes zoster.

Very often, certain variants of enterovirus infection, the rash in which is extremely varied and may be similar to other rashes, are mistaken for “mild forms of chickenpox.” Local doctors are almost unfamiliar with enteroviral infections and often make incorrect diagnoses.

How long does chickenpox last in adults?

Towards the end of 2 weeks, the blisters will “squat”, dry out and begin to crumble, leaving in their place circles of soft pink skin, sensitive to temperature changes. Resist the temptation to speed up the exfoliation process, otherwise a scar will remain in place of the not yet completely healed blister, and if this is the area of ​​​​growth of eyebrows, mustaches and beards, then an ugly bald spot, the hairs on which will no longer be restored.

So How many days do adults get chickenpox?? Days?! For another 1-1.5 months, your delicate skin at the site of the blisters will differ from the main shade, and after that the chickenpox that overtook you will only be memories, which, over time, you will be able to laugh at.

Complications after chickenpox in adults

Experts explain complications after chickenpox in adults by the fact that the human body has already formed its own protective reactions to the introduction of various viruses and infections. Therefore, the body's reaction is so strong that it can cause more harm than good. Due to this, consequences of chickenpox in adults very likely.

Chickenpox in adults can cause complications from mild in the form of a bacterial infection on the skin affected by viruses, to severe in the form of pneumonia of viral or bacterial origin and brain damage - encephalitis and encephalomyelitis.

Complications of chickenpox can be associated with the viral infection itself or with the addition of a bacterial infection.

A viral infection can cause complications such as chickenpox croup with the appearance of chickenpox rashes in the larynx, chickenpox pneumonia (with damage to the lung tissue), chickenpox encephalitis (brain damage), chickenpox nephritis (kidney damage) and myocarditis (damage to the heart muscle).

Complications resulting from the addition of a bacterial infection most often include skin purulent-inflammatory diseases, secondary bacterial pneumonia and secondary bacterial meningoencephalitis.

Complications in the form of purulent-inflammatory processes on the skin

The chickenpox virus causes an inflammatory process in the skin area, and a bacterial infection easily joins the existing inflammatory process. With reduced immunity, even following all the rules of hygiene and doctor’s prescriptions may not save you from the development of purulent-inflammatory diseases, such as bullous streptoderma, abscesses, cellulitis, and erysipelas.

With bullous streptoderma (it is caused by streptococci), large tense hemispherical blisters with cloudy contents appear at the site of the vesicular rash. The bubbles quickly increase in size (sometimes to the size of a hazelnut). After the bubbles open, erosive surfaces are formed, which also increase along the periphery. With a mixed streptococcal-staphylococcal infection, the blisters become yellow and then become covered with yellow crusts. The rashes often merge, forming a continuous crust on the skin. The course of such diseases can be long-term, recurrent (repeating) and require proper treatment, taking into account the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics.

The infection is characterized by a vesicular rash accompanied by mild intoxication and moderate fever. Parents of sick children are interested in how many days they have had chickenpox, and whether the first signs can go unnoticed. The range of problems is very wide, including questions about the severity of the disease, its treatment, and the presence of complications. Let us summarize the explanations of pediatricians on the most pressing requests.

The duration of the latent state of the virus in the body ranges from 7–11 to 21 days. The initial symptoms after the incubation period are reduced to a moderate increase in body temperature to 37–37.5 ° C, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite. The formation of a skin rash begins with swelling and redness, followed by blisters filled with clear liquid. Lesions are localized on the head among the hair, on the face and torso. The diameter of the vesicles ranges from 1 to 5 mm.

How many days children suffer from chickenpox largely depends on the immune status of the young patients. Treatment is delayed if pustular skin diseases, inflammation of the oral mucosa occur, complications arise, and chronic diseases worsen.

Is chicken pox dangerous?

The infection is not life-threatening, but can take a severe course in children with immunosuppression, weakened, and malnourished. There are mild, moderate and severe forms of the disease. Criteria for determining severity are the severity of intoxication, local changes in chickenpox.

There are atypical forms of chickenpox, in particular pustular, hemorrhagic, generalized and others.

How many days should you stay home if you have chickenpox?

It is better to leave a preschooler or schoolchild at home at the initial signs of illness in order to prevent complications in the child. Pediatricians recommend that sick children be isolated until they recover. How long it will take for the child to attend the children’s group depends on the complete cessation of the formation of new elements of the rash. After this, leave at home for another 3-5 days so that all papules on the skin are covered with crusts.

How long do children get chickenpox?

How long the disease lasts depends on its severity and course.

How many days does the elevated temperature last?

Fever is observed during the first day after the end of the incubation period. In severe forms, the temperature rises to febrile values ​​(38.1–39°C).

How long does it take for the rash to appear?

After a slight increase in temperature, small red spots appear on the skin almost simultaneously or after a few hours. The macules turn into vesicles filled with transparent contents, bordered by a thin reddish rim. New papules appear within 3–5 days, and all this time the child is contagious to others. After this period, the formation of new elements stops, and those that have already arisen dry out.

How to treat chickenpox in children?

Treatment is symptomatic:

• Treat blisters with antiseptic solutions - brilliant green, Rivanol, Castellani, methylene blue, 5% potassium permanganate, Calamine lotion.
• Lubricate hemorrhagic or bleeding elements of the rash with a solution of calcium chloride (or another remedy recommended by the pediatrician).
• Antipyretics with paracetamol or ibuprofen are given when the temperature rises.

The frequency of application to the skin or ingestion is determined by the selected drug; the frequency is indicated in the instructions for the medications.

What to do if chickenpox itches?

Antihistamine drops or tablets are given orally to reduce itching. Such drugs as Fenistil, Zyrtec, Zodak are suitable for children.

How can children and adults become infected with a viral infection?

It should be borne in mind that chickenpox pathogens spread through the air and can infect people in the next room or nearby apartment. Susceptibility to the virus is very high; as a rule, children who have been in contact with the patient and have not previously had this infection become ill.

How long is chickenpox contagious in children?

The period of increased risk of getting an infection from a patient ranges from 5 to 10 days. When a child visiting a children's group is diagnosed with chickenpox, they are quarantined for three weeks. The duration of the infectious period is counted from the day when the red spots appeared until the fifth day after the formation of new macules.

The use of brilliant green for chickenpox in young patients is due to the antiseptic properties of the solution and the ability to use the product to identify new elements of the rash.

The solution to the problem of how many days after chickenpox is not contagious should be entrusted to a pediatrician. If the doctor notes complete drying of the rash elements and normalization of the child’s general condition, then he is considered recovered.

How does chickenpox occur in infants?

Cases of complications are registered less often in infants than in children older than one year. This is explained by the fact that a nursing mother who had chickenpox in childhood provides the baby with temporary immunity through milk.

Are water treatments allowed for chickenpox?

Pediatricians have different opinions about bathing. Some doctors prohibit bathing a sick child until the end of the period when new skin rashes appear and crusts form. Other pediatricians consider it possible and necessary to take a bath with chickenpox to relieve itching (without using detergents or sponges). Add potassium permanganate or herbs (seedweed, celandine, thyme) to the bathing water. Do not bathe or shower a child who has a fever.

Can you go for a walk when you're sick?

Doctors prescribe bed rest if the temperature rises and quarantine for 21 days. With a mild course of the disease, the child can lead his normal lifestyle. During the infectious period, visiting children's groups and crowded places is excluded.

How many times in your life can you get chickenpox?

All children are susceptible to infection, with the exception of newborns, who receive immunity from their mother. After an illness, lifelong immunity is formed. When the virus is re-infected or activated, shingles (herpes zoster) develops in the body.

How to remove scars after chickenpox?

After chickenpox, adults are left with small scars on the face and body. However, in children, traces do not remain - skin regeneration occurs more intensively at an early age. The healing process of spots on the skin from chickenpox can be accelerated with the help of Contractubex cream and folk remedies (egg whites, celandine oil).