Chances are that you or a loved one have already been through a case of chickenpox. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4 million people get varicella (also known as chickenpox) every year. While most cases of chickenpox are in children, adults can get the disease, too. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga wants you to know how you can treat a case of the chickenpox should you or a loved one become ill from the disease.
Is Chickenpox Contagious?
Chickenpox is extremely contagious. If a person has chickenpox, he or she is contagious the most from day two to day five of the disease. Fortunately, unlikely in the past when the condition was considered a rite of childhood, these days chickenpox can be prevented by a vaccine.Symptoms of Chickenpox
- Blisters
- Scabs
- Ulcers
- Red spots
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Itching
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
How Long Does It Take Chickenpox to Heal?
It can take a while for all of the blisters to scab over when experiencing chickenpox. While it usually takes around 10 to 14 days, there are some cases where chickenpox can leave a mark on the skin that stays around for six to 12 months.Treatment of Chickenpox
- Soak in a lukewarm oatmeal bath.
- Eat sugar-free popsicles to soothe throat.
- Apply calamine lotion to spots.
- Take medications as prescribed by a doctor.
- Wear mittens to keep from scratching.
- Apply moisturizer to skin.
