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Chickenpox (varicella)

Varicella · Plané neštovice (varicella)

What it is

Primary varicella infection; the virus then hides in nerve ganglia for life.

Symptoms & signs

  • Itchy crops of blisters in stages
  • fever
  • malaise
  • more severe in adults
  • scarring if scratched

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Breathless, chest pain or coughing blood
  • call 112 / 911 now Seizure, very drowsy, or unsteady walking
  • see a doctor soon Spots turning red, hot and painful, or fever returning
  • see a doctor soon Pregnant, newborn or weak immunity and exposed

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • Calamine and antihistamines
  • aciclovir for adults and immunocompromised
  • varicella vaccination
  • avoid aspirin in children

Natural & lifestyle

  • Cool baths with oatmeal
  • keep nails short
  • loose clothing
  • isolate until crusted

Emerging & experimental

  • Combined MMRV vaccines
  • antiviral prophylaxis protocols

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Honey on the spots — a small study of faster crusting early / small studies
  • Baking-soda and oatmeal baths — soothing; untested anecdotal / traditional
  • Chickenpox parties — deliberate infection; risks pneumonia and encephalitis anecdotal / traditional

ICD codes