DEFINITION Chickenpox: is a contagious viral infection that causes skin rashes in the form of a set of small spots are

flat and prominent, fluid-filled blisters and scabs, which cause itching. CAUSE Chicken Pox: Chickenpox disease, including infectious diseases. The main cause is an attack of the virus Varicella zoster. This virus attacks when the body's resistance weakened. Chickenpox HOW CONTAGIOUS: The way the disease is transmitted, when the virus enters the body, this virus will instantly spread throughout the body via the blood, there arose a slight bump''freckle''little redness in the skin and forming a fluid-filled resilient virus with a layer of very thin walls and fragile, Resilience is usually very itchy, but when the healing is going shrink springy and dry, but if one is broken you should immediately clean the affected skin liquid from the liquid fraction because it will spread into your skin in a place exposed to the fluid.

What causes chicken pox?

Chicken pox is a common viral disease caused by the varicella zoster virus that is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is characterised by slight fever and general cold like symptoms, including a sore throat, followed by a rash that appears a day or two later. Chicken pox generally occurs in children under 10 and is more common in the late winter and spring.

What are the signs and symptoms of chicken pox?

At first your child may feel unwell with a cold-like illness, with spots following one to two days later.

Spots first appear as pink/red lumps on the face, scalp, chest, stomach and back. The spots are itchy and develop a watery blister on top. In turn these blisters burst and form a yellow crust. New spots keep occurring for about three to four days while the older spots scab.

Children may have a slight fever, feel miserable and have a headache though some children do not feel sick at all. In some children there

will be sores in the mouth (which makes it hard to eat) and their vagina. The contagious period for chickenpox is two days before the spots appear until they have all scabbed over, around a week later. Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease and it is wise to keep your child isolated and away from school during this period. The incubation period (from exposure to the virus to when the illness appears) is 11 24 days. One attack of the illness normally gives your child immunity for the rest of their life.

It is wise to call a doctor for any rash especially if your child has a fever, headache or feels very sick. Chicken pox is confirmed when doctors find spots at the three stages: pink lumps, watery blisters and crusted spots.

What is the treatment for Chicken Pox?

It is important to call the doctor if your child:

has a high fever, has lots of blisters, especially near the eyes, and refuses to drink anything.

Treatment at home includes rest, trying to prevent scratching of the spots, calamine lotion, keeping up fluid intake and infant paracetamol for fevers, carefully following the instructions on the bottle for age and dosage. Antihistamines can be given if itching is severe.

Risks & complications of chicken pox

The most common complications of chicken pox (or pocks) are secondary infections caused by bacteria infecting scratched spots. The virus can be more serious in very young babies, in adolescents and in adults.

As chicken pox can be a risk to an unborn child in early or late pregnancy, always alert the fact that your child has chicken pox to your kindy or school, so that any pregnant mums are aware and can be treated with immunoglobulin if necessary. (This can be used as a short-term protection, to prevent infection in people who have been exposed to chickenpox and would be at risk if they became infected e.g. a pregnant woman or immuno-suppressed child). In rare cases chickenpox can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or pneumonia. After having chicken pox the virus lies dormant in the body, but can emerge later to cause shingles in adults.

How should I care for my child with chicken pox?

Try to discourage scratching as much as possible as spots can cause scars. Apply calamine lotion to cool and calm the skin. Keep your childs nails short to help prevent scratching and secondary infection Ensure your children wash their hands regularly throughout the day. It may help to use cotton gloves, mittens or socks on smaller children or at night to stop scratching. Dress your children in cool, comfortable clothing. Encourage your child to rest Keep up fluid intake Treat the fever with infant paracetamol carefully following the instructions on the bottle for age and dosage. Childrens skin can also be cooled with lukewarm flannels or in a lukewarm bath. Adding baking soda or cornstarch to the bath water will help calm itching (a cup per bath). Alternatively, Pinetarsol will have the same effect. If eating is uncomfortable, give soft foods and plenty of fluids

The signs and symptoms of chickenpox are:

A red, itchy rash, initially resembling insect bites, on your face, scalp, chest and back Small, liquid-filled blisters that break open and crust over Fever Abdominal pain or loss of appetite Mild headache General feeling of unease and discomfort (malaise) or irritability A dry cough Headache

The chickenpox rash goes through these three phases:

Raised pink or red bumps (papules), which break out in different spots over several days Fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), forming from the raised bumps over about one day before breaking and leaking Crusts and scabs, which cover the broken blisters and take several more days to heal

New bumps continue to appear for several days. As a result, you may have all three stages of the rash bumps, blisters, and scabbed lesions at the same time on the second day of the rash. Once infected, you can spread the virus for up to 48 hours before the rash appears, and you remain contagious until all spots crust over. The disease is generally mild in healthy children. In severe cases, the rash can spread to cover the entire body, and lesions may form in the throat, eyes and mucous membranes of the urethra, anus and vagina. New spots continue to appear for several days. When to see a doctor If you suspect that you or your child has chickenpox, consult your doctor. He or she usually can easily diagnose chickenpox by examining the rash and by noting the presence of accompanying symptoms. Your doctor can also prescribe medications to lessen the severity of chickenpox and treat complications, if necessary. Be sure to call ahead for an appointment, to avoid waiting and possibly infecting others in a crowded waiting room. Also, be sure to let your doctor know if any of these complications occur:

The rash spreads to one or both eyes. The rash gets very red, warm or tender, indicating a possible secondary bacterial skin infection. The rash is accompanied by dizziness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, tremors, loss of muscle coordination, worsening cough, vomiting, stiff neck or a fever higher than 103 F (39.4 C). Anyone in the household is immune deficient or younger than 6 months old.

How to Prevent Chickenpox

Edited byCDC Bot and 18 others

Article Edit Discuss History

Chickenpox (Varicella) is a disease caused by infection with the varicella zoster virus. The symptoms include fever and an itchy, blister-like rash. Other more severe complications can occur, including bacterial infection of the skin, pneumonia, and swelling of the brain. Adults and adolescents are more at risk for severe disease. Chickenpox is highly contagious. This article will help you prevent chickenpox.

Steps
1. 1 Get vaccinated. Chickenpox vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. Vaccination not only protects vaccinated persons, it also reduces exposure in the community for those unable to be vaccinated because of illness or other circumstances. 2. 2 Know who should be vaccinated:
o o o

People 13 years of age and older who do not have *evidence of immunity should get two doses of the vaccine 4 to 8 weeks apart. Healthy children 12 months - 12 years of age should have two doses of chickenpox vaccine, administered at least 3 months apart. International travelers.

o o o o o o

Nonpregnant women of childbearing age. Adults and adolescents living in households with children. Persons who work or live in places where chickenpox transmission can occur (e.g., inmates and staff at correctional facilities, college students, military personnel). Persons who work or live in environments in which chickenpox transmission is likely (e.g., day care workers, teachers, residents/staff at institutions). Health care providers. Household contacts of immunocompromised persons.

3. 3 Understand that chickenpox is highly contagious. It can be spread by coughing and sneezing, by direct contact, and by aerosolization of virus from skin lesions. Take the following precautions:
o o

Keep your child at home until the blisters have formed scabs, there are no blisters present, or until no new spots are forming. In the event of an outbreak, all susceptible children and adults should be vaccinated. Those who previously only received 1 dose of the vaccine should receive the second dose.

4. 4 Know that the majority of people who get the chickenpox vaccine do not have any problems with it. However, there are the rare few who may have an allergic reaction. The risk of chickenpox vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Look for the following:
o

Mild Problems: Swelling or soreness where the shot was given Mild rash Fever Moderate Problems:
Seizure caused by fever Severe Problems:

Pneumonia (very rare) Chicken Pox can be fatal for individuals with holes in their cardioseptum(The wall that divides the two halves of the heart).

5. 5 *Evidence of immunity includes any of the following:

o

Receipt from a physician of a) a diagnosis of chickenpox or b) verification of a history of chickenpox. Receipt from a physician of a) a diagnosis of herpes zoster (shingles), or b) verification of a history of herpes zoster (shingles).

Blood tests that show the individual is immune to varicella or valid confirmation of prior disease. If you were born in the U.S. before 1980 (excluding health-care workers, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons). These individuals need to meet one of the other criteria for evidence of immunity. Documentation of two doses of varicella vaccine.

TREATING CHICKENPOX Treat the itching:

Cut the fingernails Benadryl (an over-the-counter antihistamine) is very effective in decreasing the itching. Use it as needed. Click on benadryl for dosing. Oatmeal baths: Aveeno or other brands can be purchased at the store. This can soothe the itching. Cool washcloths may help.

Treat the fever:

DO NOT USE ASPIRIN DURING A CHICKENPOX INFECTION. This can cause a serious reaction. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can be used to treat the fever. ONE IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not treat the fever if it is below 101 and your child is feeling relatively okay. Studies have shown that children do better overall when some fever is allowed to continue during this illness. Therefore, only treat the fever if it is high, or you child is bothered by the fever.

How to Diagnose Chicken Pox

By Sarah Metzker Erdemir, eHow Contributor

Print this article

Fluid-filled blisters are the tell-tale symptom of chickenpox.

Chickenpox is caused by the highly communicable varicella-zoster virus. Children under 12 are the most likely to catch chickenpox, but the disease is usually harmless and passes on its own without treatment. In some cases however, particularly in adults, newborns, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, chickenpox can lead to more serious illness. A person with chickenpox should be kept away from other people to avoid infecting them, so it's important to recognize the symptoms.
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Chickenpox Vaccine Diagnose Prostate Cancer

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Instructions
Things You'll Need

Thermometer 1.
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Determine if you have had contact with someone with chickenpox within the last two weeks. Chickenpox is highly contagious to people who aren't immune. People who have never had chickenpox or who have never been vaccinated are most at risk for catching chickenpox, and the disease is contagious before the rash appears so early diagnosis is important.
o

Watch for flu-like symptoms. Chickenpox often starts with a fever, headache and malaise. The first blisters usually appear after the person has been feeling ill for a day or two, and a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 102 degrees Fahrenheit can last for several days.
o

Examine the rash. The first chickenpox blisters usually appear on the stomach, face, or back. They start as tiny red bumps that spread quickly and are quite itchy. The bumps fill with a clear fluid, then burst and crust over. The blisters can spread to anywhere on the body, including the ears, eyes and genital area. New blisters continue to appear for several days.
o

Call your doctor if chickenpox blisters appear in the eyes or if any blisters become infected, as these may need additional treatment. A fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, coughing, a stiff neck, dizziness, or vomiting could also indicate developing complications. In rare cases, chickenpox can lead to pneumonia, hepatitis or encephalitis.

Read more: How to Diagnose Chicken Pox | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5475377_diagnose-chicken-pox.html#ixzz1idtH3Flt

Chickenpox
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For other uses, see Chickenpox (disambiguation). "Varicella" redirects here. For other uses, see Varicella (disambiguation).

Chickenpox
Classification and external resources

Child with varicella disease ICD-10 ICD-9 DiseasesDB MedlinePlus eMedicine MeSH B01 052 29118 001592 ped/2385 derm/74, emerg/367 C02.256.466.175

Chickenpox or chicken pox is a highly contagious illness caused by primary infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV).[1] It usually starts with vesicular skin rash mainly on the body and head rather than at the periphery and becomes itchy, raw pockmarks, which mostly heal without scarring. On examination, the observer typically finds lesions at various stages of healing. Chickenpox is an airborne disease spread easily through coughing or sneezing of ill individuals or through direct contact with secretions from the rash. A person with chickenpox is infectious one to two days before the rash appears.[2] They remain contagious until all lesions have crusted over (this takes approximately six days)[3]. Immunocompromised patients are contagious during the entire period as new lesions keep appearing. Crusted lesions are not contagious.[4] It takes from 10 to 21 days after initial infection for the disease to develop.

The onset of illness with chickenpox is often characterized by symptoms including myalgia, itching, nausea, fever, headache, sore throat, pain in both ears, complaints of pressure in head or swollen face, and malaise in adolescents and adults. In children, the first symptom is usually the development of a papular rash, followed by development of malaise, fever (a body temperature of 38 C (100 F), but may be as high as 42 C (108 F) in rare cases), sometimes severe back pains to the lower back, and anorexia (loss of appetite, not to be confused with anorexia nervosa). Typically, the disease is more severe in adults.[5] Chickenpox is rarely fatal, although it is generally more severe in adult males than in adult females or children. Non-immune pregnant women and those with a suppressed immune system are at highest risk of serious complications. Chickenpox is believed to be the cause of one third of stroke cases in children.[6] The most common late complication of chickenpox is shingles, caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus decades after the initial episode of chickenpox. Chickenpox has been observed in other primates, including chimpanzees[7] and gorillas.[8]

Contents
[hide]

1 Diagnosis 2 Epidemiology 3 Pathophysiology o 3.1 Infection in pregnancy and neonates o 3.2 Shingles 4 Prevention o 4.1 Hygiene measures o 4.2 Vaccine 5 Treatment o 5.1 Children o 5.2 Adults 6 Prognosis 7 History 8 See also 9 References 10 External links

[edit] Diagnosis
The diagnosis of varicella is primarily clinical, with typical early "prodromal" symptoms, and then the characteristic rash. Confirmation of the diagnosis can be sought through either examination of the fluid within the vesicles of the rash, or by testing blood for evidence of an acute immunologic response.

Vesicular fluid can be examined with a Tsanck smear, or better with examination for direct fluorescent antibody. The fluid can also be "cultured", whereby attempts are made to grow the virus from a fluid sample. Blood tests can be used to identify a response to acute infection (IgM) or previous infection and subsequent immunity (IgG).[9] Prenatal diagnosis of fetal varicella infection can be performed using ultrasound, though a delay of 5 weeks following primary maternal infection is advised. A PCR (DNA) test of the mother's amniotic fluid can also be performed, though the risk of spontaneous abortion due to the amniocentesis procedure is higher than the risk of the baby developing fetal varicella syndrome.[10]

[edit] Epidemiology
Primary varicella is a disease that is endemic to all countries worldwide. Varicella has a prevalence that is stable from generation to generation.[11] In temperate countries, chickenpox is primarily a disease of children, with most cases occurring during the winter and spring, most likely due to school contact. It is one of the classic diseases of childhood, with the highest prevalence in the 410 year old age group. Like rubella, it is uncommon in preschool children. Varicella is highly communicable, with an infection rate of 90% in close contacts. In temperate countries, most people become infected before adulthood but 10% of young adults remain susceptible. In the tropics, chickenpox often occurs in older people and may cause more serious disease.[12] In adults the pock marks are darker and the scars more prominent than in children.[13]

[edit] Pathophysiology

A single blister, typical during the early stages of the rash

The back of a 30-year-old male, taken on day 5 of the rash

Exposure to VZV in a healthy child initiates the production of host immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies; IgG antibodies persist for life and confer immunity. Cell-mediated immune responses are also important in limiting the scope and the duration of primary varicella infection. After primary infection, VZV is hypothesized to spread from mucosal and epidermal lesions to local sensory nerves. VZV then remains latent in the dorsal ganglion cells of the sensory nerves. Reactivation of VZV results in the clinically distinct syndrome of herpes zoster (i.e., shingles), postherpetic neuralgia, and sometimes Ramsay Hunt syndrome type II.[citation needed]
[edit] Infection in pregnancy and neonates

For pregnant women, antibodies produced as a result of immunization or previous infection are transferred via the placenta to the fetus.[14] Women who are immune to chickenpox cannot become infected and do not need to be concerned about it for themselves or their infant during pregnancy.[15] Varicella infection in pregnant women could lead to viral transmission via the placenta and infection of the fetus. If infection occurs during the first 28 weeks of gestation, this can lead to fetal varicella syndrome (also known as congenital varicella syndrome).[16] Effects on the fetus can range in severity from underdeveloped toes and fingers to severe anal and bladder malformation. Possible problems include:

Damage to brain: encephalitis,[17] microcephaly, hydrocephaly, aplasia of brain Damage to the eye: optic stalk, optic cup, and lens vesicles, microphthalmia, cataracts, chorioretinitis, optic atrophy

Other neurological disorder: damage to cervical and lumbosacral spinal cord, motor/sensory deficits, absent deep tendon reflexes, anisocoria/Horner's syndrome Damage to body: hypoplasia of upper/lower extremities, anal and bladder sphincter dysfunction Skin disorders: (cicatricial) skin lesions, hypopigmentation

Infection late in gestation or immediately following birth is referred to as "neonatal varicella".[18] Maternal infection is associated with premature delivery. The risk of the baby developing the disease is greatest following exposure to infection in the period 7 days prior to delivery and up to 7 days following the birth. The baby may also be exposed to the virus via infectious siblings or other contacts, but this is of less concern if the mother is immune. Newborns who develop symptoms are at a high risk of pneumonia and other serious complications of the disease.[10]
[edit] Shingles Main article: Herpes zoster

After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in the body's nerve tissues. The immune system keeps the virus at bay, but later in life, usually as an adult, it can be reactivated and cause a different form of the viral infection called shingles (scientifically known as herpes zoster).[19] Many adults who have had chicken pox as children are susceptible to shingles as adults, often with the accompanying condition postherpetic neuralgia, a painful condition that make it difficult to sleep. Even after the shingles rash has gone away, there can be night pain in the area affected by the rash.[20] Shingles affect one in three adults, especially those who are immune suppressed, particularly from cancer, HIV, or other conditions. However, stress can bring on shingles as well, although scientists are still researching the connection. [21] A shingles vaccine is available for adults over 50 for both adults who had childhood chickenpox or who previously had shingles. [22] The vaccine for shingles lessens the impact of shingles and its side effects.

[edit] Prevention
[edit] Hygiene measures

The spread of chickenpox can be prevented by isolating affected individuals. Contagion is by exposure to respiratory droplets, or direct contact with lesions, within a period lasting from three days prior to the onset of the rash, to four days after the onset of the rash.[23] The chickenpox virus (VZV) is susceptible to disinfectants, notably chlorine bleach (i.e., sodium hypochlorite). Also, like all enveloped viruses, VZV is sensitive to desiccation, heat and detergents. Therefore these viruses are relatively easy to kill.[citation needed]
[edit] Vaccine Main article: Varicella vaccine

A varicella vaccine was first developed by Michiaki Takahashi in 1974 derived from the Oka strain. It has been available in the U.S. since 1995 to inoculate against the disease. Some countries require the varicella vaccination or an exemption before entering elementary school. Protection from one dose is not lifelong and a second dose is necessary five years after the initial immunization,[24] which is currently part of the routine immunization schedule in the US.[25] The chickenpox vaccine is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in the UK. In the UK, the vaccine is currently only offered to people who are particularly vulnerable to chickenpox. A person who already took the vaccine is more likely to have only a few chickenpox.[26]

[edit] Treatment
Varicella treatment mainly consists of easing the symptoms as there is no actual cure of the condition. Some treatments are however available for relieving the symptoms while the immune system clears the virus from the body. As a protective measure, patients are usually required to stay at home while they are infectious to avoid spreading the disease to others. Also, sufferers are frequently asked to cut their nails short or to wear gloves to prevent scratching and to minimize the risk of secondary infections. The condition resolves by itself within a couple of weeks but meanwhile patients must pay attention to their personal hygiene.[27] The rash caused by varicella zoster virus may however last for up to one month, although the infectious stage does not take longer than a week or two.[28] Also, staying in a cold surrounding can help in easing the itching as heat and sweat makes it worse. Although there have been no formal clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of topical application of calamine lotion, a topical barrier preparation containing zinc oxide and one of the most commonly used interventions, it has an excellent safety profile.[29] It is important to maintain good hygiene and daily cleaning of skin with warm water to avoid secondary bacterial infection.[30] Scratching may also increase the risk of secondary infection.[31] To relieve the symptoms of chickenpox, people commonly use anti-itching creams and lotions. These lotions are not to be used on the face or close to the eyes. Neem leaves can be made into paste form and can be applied on the rashes. Warm water bath with neem leaves may be helpful. Water bath may be done at least seven days from the onset of the vesicles. It should be done so because the vesicles contains the virus and may splash while bathing and it may cause the vesicles to appear on subsequent regions. An oatmeal bath also might help ease discomfort.[32]
[edit] Children

If oral acyclovir is started within 24 hours of rash onset it decreases symptoms by one day but has no effect on complication rates. Use of acyclovir therefore is not currently recommended for immunocompetent individuals (i.e., otherwise healthy persons without known immunodeficiency or on immunosuppressive medication). Children younger than 12 years old and older than one month are not meant to receive antiviral medication if they are not suffering from another medical condition which would put them at risk of developing complications.[33]

Treatment of chickenpox in children is aimed at symptoms whilst the immune system deals with the virus. With children younger than 12 years cutting nails and keeping them clean is an important part of treatment as they are more likely to deep scratch their blisters.[34] Aspirin is highly contraindicated in children younger than 16 years as it has been related with a potentially fatal condition known as Reye's syndrome.[35] Some parents believe that it is better for children to contact chickenpox than get the vaccine. They even go the extent of exposing their children to others who have the disease even by taking them to chicken pox parties. Doctors counter that children are safer getting the vaccine, which is weakened form of the virus, than by getting the disease, which can be fatal.[36]
[edit] Adults

Infection in otherwise healthy adults tends to be more severe and may be fatal. Treatment with antiviral drugs (e.g. acyclovir or valacyclovir) is generally advised, as long as it is started within 2448 hours from rash onset.[33] Remedies to ease the symptoms of chickenpox in adults are basically the same as those used on children. Adults are more often prescribed antiviral medication as it is effective in reducing the severity of the condition and the likelihood of developing complications. Antiviral medicines do not kill the virus, but stop it from multiplying. Adults are also advised to increase water intake to reduce dehydration and to relieve headaches. Painkillers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) are also recommended as they are effective in relieving itching and other symptoms such as fever or pains. Antihistamines relieve itch and may be used in cases where the itch prevents sleep, because they are also sedative. As with children, antiviral medication is considered more useful for those adults who are more prone to develop complications. These include pregnant women or people who have a weakened immune system.[37] Sorivudine, a nucleoside analogue has been reported to be effective in the treatment of primary varicella in healthy adults (case reports only), but large scale clinical trials are still needed to demonstrate its efficacy.[38]

[edit] Prognosis
The duration of the visible blistering caused by varicella zoster virus varies in children usually from 4 to 7 days, and the appearance of new blisters begins to subside after the 5th day. Chickenpox infection is milder in young children, and symptomatic treatment, with sodium bicarbonate baths or antihistamine medication may ease itching.[39] Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is widely used to reduce fever. Aspirin, or products containing aspirin, should not be given to children with chickenpox as it can cause Reye's Syndrome.[40] In adults, the disease is more severe,[41] though the incidence is much less common. Infection in adults is associated with greater morbidity and mortality due to pneumonia,[42] hepatitis, and encephalitis.[citation needed] In particular, up to 10% of pregnant women with chickenpox develop pneumonia, the severity of which increases with onset later in gestation. In England and Wales, 75% of deaths due to chickenpox are in adults.[10] Inflammation of the brain, or encephalitis, can

occur in immunocompromised individuals, although the risk is higher with herpes zoster.[43] Necrotizing fasciitis is also a rare complication.[44] Varicella can be lethal to adults with impaired immunity. The number of people in this high-risk group has increased, due to the HIV epidemic and the increased use immunosuppressive therapies.[45] Varicella is a particular problem in hospitals, especially when there are patients with immune systems weakened by drugs (e.g., high-dose steroids) or HIV.[46]

Secondary bacterial infection of skin lesions, manifesting as impetigo, cellulitis, and erysipelas, is the most common complication in healthy children. Disseminated primary varicella infection usually seen in the immunocompromised may have high morbidity. Ninety percent of cases of varicella pneumonia occur in the adult population. Rarer complications of disseminated chickenpox also include myocarditis, hepatitis, and glomerulonephritis.[47] Hemorrhagic complications are more common in the immunocompromised or immunosuppressed populations, although healthy children and adults have been affected. Five major clinical syndromes have been described: febrile purpura, malignant chickenpox with purpura, postinfectious purpura, purpura fulminans, and anaphylactoid purpura. These syndromes have variable courses, with febrile purpura being the most benign of the syndromes and having an uncomplicated outcome. In contrast, malignant chickenpox with purpura is a grave clinical condition that has a mortality rate of greater than 70%. The etiology of these hemorrhagic chickenpox syndromes is not known.[47]

[edit] History

Early rash of smallpox vs chickenpox: rash mostly on the torso is characteristic of chickenpox

Chickenpox was first identified by the Persian scientist Muhammad ibn Zakariya ar-Razi (865 925), known to the West as "Rhazes", who clearly distinguished it from smallpox and measles.[48] Giovanni Filippo (15101580) of Palermo later provided a more detailed description of varicella (chickenpox).