CHICKENPOX
Chickenpox, also known as varicella , is a highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection of VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV). The disease results in a characteristic skin rash that forms small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab over. It usually starts on the chest, back, and face then spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms may include fever, tiredness, and headaches. Symptoms usually last five to seven days.
Chicken pox is an air-borne disease. It spreads through upper respiratory tract through cough and sneezing of an infected person.It may be spread from one to two days before the rash appears until all lesions have crusted over.It may also spread through contact with the blisters.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The early (prodromal) symptoms in adolescents and adults are nausea, loss of appetite, aching muscles, and headache. This is followed by the characteristic rash or oral sores, malaise, and a low-grade fever that signal the presence of the disease.
At the blister stage, intense itching is usually present. Blisters may also occur on the palms, soles, and genital area.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
1) ACONITUM: This remedy should be considered at the initial stages of chickenpox when there is fever, restlessness, and increased thirst.
2)ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM : Most characteristic of these children is their white-coated tongue and their irritable disposition. Other indications for this remedy are when children have pimples and pustules which itch, especially after a bath or exposure to water, in the evening, and from the heat of the bed. The children tend to experience a prickly heat which is aggravated by exercise and warmth.
3)APIS MELLIFICA : Children who have itching and stinging pox that is worse from heat and in warm rooms and better from cold and in cool rooms should be given this remedy. Belladonna: Chickenpox with severe headache, flushed face, hot skin, and drowsiness with the inability to sleep well should be treated with this medicine.
4) RHUS TOX: This is the most common remedy for chickenpox. These children experience intense itching, especially at night and from scratching. They are very restless.