Varicella, or chickenpox as it is commonly known, is a disease transmitted by a virus and is quite common, especially in childhood. Characterized by red, watery blisters that appear all over the body, it is a very uncomfortable disease that causes intense itching. To address this, medicine has developed the varicella vaccine, which can prevent or lessen the symptoms if contracted. The vaccine is made with the attenuated varicella-zoster virus and aims to completely fight off the virus when it tries to attack the body.

As it is not yet considered a mandatory vaccine and is not part of the national immunization program of the Ministry of Health, it is only available in private clinics and must be paid for. Recently, the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has been reformulated to include the varicella vaccine, now called the MMRV vaccine (tetravalent viral vaccine). This one is provided and available for free at public health facilities through the Unified Health System (SUS).

The varicella vaccine is recommended for children from 12 months of age, and should be given in 2 doses. The first dose is given after one year of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. When only one dose is given, the effectiveness is considered to be 70 to 90% protection against the virus, and the symptoms, if they appear, are much milder. In a child who has not been vaccinated, between 250 and 500 blisters can cover the whole body. In vaccinated children, it is rare to get infected, but if it does happen, blisters appear in more restricted areas, in smaller numbers, and with mild itching, and in most cases are almost unnoticeable.

The disease is easily transmitted through physical contact, coughing, sneezing, and especially by contact with the fluid that seeps from the blisters. It first appears as moderate fever during the first two days, and then small spots that look like little lesions after about a week. These first appear in sweaty areas like behind the neck and the belly, spreading to the entire body, including the mucous membranes. Crusts form over the blisters, which cause constant itching and should disappear and heal in about 10 days. The varicella vaccine is recommended for children from 12 months old, for children exposed to hospital environments, for companions of immunocompromised individuals, and healthcare professionals. It can be found and administered in private clinics for about R$ 160.00 per dose.

Treatment for Chickenpox

Chickenpox treatment lasts between 7 to 10 days, and paracetamol is recommended to reduce pain, an antihistamine syrup to relieve itching, and an ointment for healing should be applied over the whole body to speed up the healing of the small blisters. This ointment helps reduce the chances of scars remaining on the body.

Drinking plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices, tea, and coconut water helps the child’s recovery. To further reduce the discomfort from the sores, in addition to oral medications, you can use potassium permanganate or even oatmeal in warm water during bath time, preferably in a tub or basin for soaking the wounds. Keep the child’s nails properly trimmed to prevent more serious injuries from scratching the blisters. Using calamine lotion is also recommended for immediate relief, and can be applied at bedtime.

During the child’s recovery, choose comfortable, loose-fitting cotton clothing so the skin can breathe better and to avoid further discomfort from rubbing against sore skin. The child should not go to school or public places frequented by other children until the very last sore has disappeared. This is because the disease is transmitted through the fluid from the sores, and this can happen until the last day.

If treatment is not carried out properly, complications may occur, though these are very rare. Complications usually occur in children or patients with low immunity, such as those taking immune suppressants, undergoing cancer treatment, or who are HIV positive. Possible complications include brain swelling, pneumonia, loss of motor coordination, and development of Reye’s syndrome. Some symptoms that indicate possible complications include high and persistent fever for more than 4 days, body tremors, blisters that spread even to the eye area, dizziness, and difficulty moving the neck.

If you notice any of these signs during the treatment of chickenpox, it is essential to seek hospital assessment. Additional tests may be requested to analyze the case, depending on the specialist’s evaluation.

See Also: Rotavirus Vaccine – Why is it Important?

Photos: Mark Couvillion, Fotos GOVBA