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CHICKENPOX (varicella), a viral illness characterized by a very itchy red rash, is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood. It is usually mild in children, but adults run the risk of serious complications, such as bacterial pneumonia. People who have had chickenpox almost always develop lifetime immunity (meaning you can't get it again). However, the virus remains dormant in the body, and it can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Because the chickenpox virus can pass from a pregnant woman to her unborn child, possibly causing birth defects, doctors often advise women considering pregnancy to confirm their immunity with a blood test. What Causes Chickenpox? Chickenpox is caused by the herpes zoster virus, also known as the varicella zoster virus. It is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by contact with the clothing, bed linens, or oozing blisters of an infected person. The onset of symptoms is seven to 21 days after exposure. The disease is most contagious a day before the rash appears and up to seven days after, or until the rash is completely dry and scabbed. What Are the Symptoms of Chickenpox? Chickenpox appears as a very itchy rash that spreads from the torso to the neck, face, and limbs. Lasting seven to 10 days, the rash progresses from red bumps to fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that drain and scab over. Vesicles may also appear in the mouth, on the scalp, around the eyes, or on the genitals and can be very painful. This cycle repeats itself in new areas of the body until finally, after about two weeks, all of the sores have healed. The disease is contagious until all the pox have dried up and there are no new pox for one day. Unfortunately, the virus is also contagious for at least one day before the rash breaks out. In children who have been vaccinated with the varicella vaccine, a shortened, milder version of chickenpox lasting three to five days may occur with less than 30 total pox breaking out. This rash can still be contagious to people with compromised immune systems. Call Your Doctor about Chickenpox if: �You think your child has chickenpox; a doctor can confirm the diagnosis. �Chickenpox is accompanied by severe skin pain and the rash produces a greenish discharge -- signs of a secondary bacterial skin infection. �Chickenpox is accompanied by a stiff neck, persistent sleepiness, or lethargy -- symptoms of a more serious illness such as meningitis or encephalitis. Get medical help immediately. �Your child is recovering from chickenpox and begins running a fever, vomiting, having convulsions, or is drowsy. These are signs of Reye's syndrome, a dangerous, potentially fatal disease that sometimes follows viral infections, particularly if aspirin has been used in treatment. Get medical help immediately. �An adult family member gets chickenpox. In adults, the illness can lead to complications such as pneumonia. See your doctor without delay. �You are pregnant, have never had chickenpox, and are exposed to the disease; your unborn child may be at risk for birth defects. See your doctor without delay. What Are the Treatments for Chickenpox? Chickenpox is extremely contagious. Keep your child home until all of the blisters are dry and scabs have fallen off. Most cases of chickenpox require little or no treatment beyond treating the symptoms. The prescription drug Zovirax (acyclovir) is helpful in shortening the duration of chickenpox symptoms if given within a day of their appearance. Most experts agree that this drug and those like it should be used for children with chickenpox infections that involve the lungs and/or brain. For less severe infections, some doctors recommend use of these drugs while others don't. Varizig is an FDA-approved drug for children and adults with weakened immune systems, newborns, pregnant women, premature infants, children less than a year old, and adults with no immunity to the chickenpox virus. Varizig is given in two or more injections, depending on the weight of the recipient, within 96 hours after exposure. In addition, your doctor or pediatrician may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec, to relieve pain, itching, and swelling. Antibiotics are called for if a secondary bacterial skin infection arises or if the person with chickenpox contracts bacterial pneumonia. Home Remedies for Chickenpox �Trim your child's fingernails or cover her hands with socks or mittens to keep her from scratching, which could lead to infection as well as to possible scarring. �To ease itching, add a handful of oatmeal or baking soda to bath water. Apply cool, wet towels to the skin and allow them to dry. �Dab calamine lotion, any other perfume-free lotion, on the lesions to relieve itching. �Leave your baby's diaper off as much as possible to allow the vesicles to dry out and scab. �Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use as a gargle to ease mouth sores, or rinse with a combination of warm water and hydrogen peroxide. In older children, Chloraseptic lozenges or sprays contain a mild anesthetic. �Give Tylenol for fever; no aspirin should be given to children with chickenpox. �Keep sores clean by washing daily. Apply lotion afterwards. How Can I Prevent Chickenpox? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be immunized with the varicella zoster vaccine to prevent chicken pox usually after the age of 1. A second dose, typically given at about age 4 or 5, is needed for complete protection. The vaccine is also a protection to vulnerable people, such as non-immune women who plan to become pregnant. Some, such as those who are already pregnant, are not eligible to receive the chickenpox vaccine. Consult your doctor for advice. A similar vaccine -- but in a higher dose -- is also available for the elderly who already had chickenpox to prevent painful outbreaks of shingles. Those over 65 can consult their doctors to see if this higher dose vaccine may help them.