Complications and Treatment Options for Chicken Pox
You probably think of chicken pox as a childhood disease, and in many cases, it is. However, anyone can contract this viral infection at any age. If you’ve never had it before and you’re not vaccinated, then you’re susceptible to getting the chicken pox.
The chicken pox infection, also called varicella, is very contagious. The virus is spread through simple contact with an infected person. While many cases of the chicken pox don’t cause any serious health concerns, there are some possible complications that you should be aware of.
What to Expect with Chicken Pox
In addition to the skin rash and blisters that characterize chicken pox, there are other symptoms, which tend to be worse in adults and older teens than they are in children. These include loss of appetite, a fever, a headache, a sore throat, and fatigue. A day or two after these flu-like symptoms appear, a rash starts to form.
What does chicken pox look like?
The chicken pox rash will change as the disease progresses. It starts out as reddish bumps on your skin. Then, the bumps become blisters. These blisters are filled with fluid and may begin to break open. Once the blisters break open, they scab. During this final stage, the rash is crusty.
Throughout each stage of the rash, you’re likely to experience a lot of itching, irritation, and possibly pain. As hard as it may be, try not to scratch your skin because scratching could result in scarring.
Some complications can occur with chicken pox, especially in adults. If you experience any of the following complications, you need to see a medical professional right away:
- Symptoms of a secondary bacterial infection, which include warm, reddish, or tender skin
- A high fever
- Disorientation of dizziness
- Quickening heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Tremors, loss of muscle control, or a stiff neck
- A rash in your eyes
- Vomiting
- Severe cough
When to Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t have serious symptoms of chicken pox, it’s a good idea to see a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis, get advice about how to manage your specific symptoms, and receive prescription drugs when necessary. It’s especially important for adults and older teens to seek medical guidance to avoid serious complications of chicken pox.
The medical professionals at FastMed Urgent Care are available 365 days a year, and our clinics feature extended hours on weekdays. Plus, it’s our goal to provide personal, prompt medical care, striving to get you in and out within just one hour.